Educational Administration - Certification
Leadership Initiative for Tomorrow's Schools (LIFTS) Program
School District Leader (SDL)
The Department of Educational Leadership (ELP) offers a 36-hour graduate program to prepare candidates to apply to the New York State Education Department (SED) for certification as a School District Leader (SDL).
| Course No. | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ELP 604 | Law and Public Education | 3 |
| ELP 606 | Changing Social Contexts for Educational Leaders | 3 |
| ELP 607 | School and District Capacity Building | 3 |
| ELP 625 | Studies in Educational Leadership | 3 |
| ELP 634 | Leading Change in Schools and School Districts | 3 |
| ELP 635 | Leading an Effective School District | 3 |
| ELP 647 | Educational Planning, Budgeting and Data Analysis | 3 |
| ELP 652 | Leadership and Policy for Inclusion | 3 |
| ELP 658 | Clinical Seminar: Internship | 3 |
| ELP 659 | Clinical Seminar: Internship | 3 |
| ELP 664 | Teacher Evaluation and Supervision | 3 |
| ELP 681 | Curriculum & Instructional Leadership | 3 |
| Total Credits | 36 |
Clinical Experiences in Educational Leadership
Candidates are expected to complete a 600 hour clinical internship experience, either one academic semester full-time; one summer full-time plus one academic semester part-time; or two academic semesters part-time. Except in unusual circumstances the clinical internship will take place in the last of last two semesters of the program.
Program Requirements for Completion and Recommendation for Certification
Candidates for the SDL will already have obtained a Masters degree from an approved degree granting institution for which 24 credit hours will normally be granted for prior learning. In addition candidates are required to successfully complete:
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All courses in the 36 hour SDL Program.
An oral defense in front of a committee consisting of one member of faculty from the Educational Administration Program, one member of the GSE faculty and two practicing administrators (one of whom will be a graduate of the program).
An exit portfolio.
In addition, it is a requirement for graduation from the SDL Program that students provide documentation from their local BOCES or other recognized provider that they have completed: two clock hours of coursework or training in school violence prevention and intervention, in accordance with section 3004 of NYS Education Law; and two clock hours of coursework or training regarding the identification and reporting of suspected child abuse or maltreatment, in accordance with sections 3003 and 3004 of NYS Education Law.
