Foundations for Educational Leaders – EDAS 645

Course Description

A study in the philosophy, precepts, and principles of education applied to Christian leadership in the educational setting. Emphasis is placed on self-investigation and analysis of leadership skills, strengths, and styles.

Rationale

A critical review and examination of contemporary leadership, management, and administration practices in light of biblically based models, characters, and criteria for Christian leadership. This course is designed to be highly interactive in the exploration of leadership models, theories, and practices and how they apply to Christian leadership, skills, abilities, and attitudes.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the candidate will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (5)

There will be 5 Discussions throughout the course. The purpose of the Discussions is to generate interaction among candidates in regard to relevant current course topics. Discussions are collaborative learning experience. Therefore, the candidate is required to post 1 thread of at least 350 words and 2 replies of at least 150 words for each Discussion. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)

Journal Critique Assignments (2)

The candidate will evaluate and critique 1 research article from varying professional journals regarding the assigned topic. The journal can be from any discipline that addresses a topic in leadership that is specific to the module assigned. All articles must be current (5 years or less). The paper will include a title page, reference page, and have a 225–250-word limit. (CLO: A, B, E)

Leadership Interview Assignment

The candidate will interview an individual in a current position of leadership to which he/she aspires to hold in the future. The leadership position can be within a school organization, a business, or church ministry. The person cannot be related to the candidate. The “Leadership Interview” guideline question areas must be used for the interview. The candidate must reflect on the interview and write a 3–4-page summary and analysis paper that highlights specific points of interest as well as any words of wisdom or advice given in the interview that will most likely have a lasting impact on the candidate in his/her leadership role. The candidate must not merely summarize the interview; he/she must engage in an analysis of the interview with concepts learned from the course texts. Current APA format must be followed and at least 3 sources must be cited. (CLO: B, D, E)

Biblical Worldview Paper Assignment

This assignment will discuss the implications of leading from a biblical worldview. The paper must be 3–4 pages and and must cite the Bible and at least 4 references that represent the body of literature supporting and explain biblical worldview and Christian philosophy of education. Current APA format must be followed. This is a Program Learning Outcome Benchmark assignment. (CLO: A, B, C, E)

Theory to Practice Exam Assignment

This assessment is an open-book/open-note assessment of the candidate’s ability to demonstrate scholarly and practical knowledge of leadership standards and how to effectively apply them. It is recommended that the candidate work on this assessment throughout the course. The first part of the Theory to Practice Exam requires the candidate to write four short-answer essays of at least 250 words in response to four content-knowledge items. The second part requires a response to two problem-based case studies with at least a 500-word essay. This assignment will be submitted in both Canvas and CORE. This is an ELCC Benchmark assignment. (Content specialists should approach this case study from the perspective of a content specialist). (CLO: A, E, I)

Philosophy of Leadership Paper Assignment

This is the Benchmark assignment for this course and will allow the candidate to discuss his/her personal philosophy of spiritual and secular leadership in the educational setting. Emphasis is placed on leadership styles, relationships, and diversity within the candidate’s self-investigation and analysis of leadership skills, strengths, and styles. The paper must be 4–6 pages, include at least 4 references, and follow current APA format. This is a Program Learning Outcome Benchmark assignment. (Content specialists should approach the philosophy statement from a perspective of a content specialist leader). (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)

SchoolSims Quizzes (6)

The candidate will complete six interactive scenarios. After viewing each scenario, the candidate will generate their Feedback Report from the simulation and then complete a five-question, multiple-choice quiz. The candidate will also be prompted to upload and submit their Feedback Report for the simulation. (CLO: C)