Program Overview

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

The Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program is designed for working educators who desire to become administrators in the P-12 school learning environment.

Program Description

The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential program consists of 24 units and is offered in a hybrid modality, with approximately half of the sessions of each core course meeting on campus and the other half online.

Program Requirements

A. Requirements for Admission to the Program

• Five years of professional, full-time educational experience under an appropriate credential.
• Possession of a bachelor's degree.
• Possession of a valid California credential.
• Cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 (based on a semester system) or possession of a previous master's degree.
• Successful completion of the Basic Skills Requirement (CBEST or other options).
• Two letters of recommendation from practicing school administrators indicating potential for administrative leadership.

B. Special Requirements

• A GPA of 3.0 or better must be maintained throughout the program.
• California Administrator Performance Assessment (CalAPA), which consists of three leadership performance tasks embedded into coursework.

C. Course Requirements

1. Required Courses (24 units)

• ELPS 650 Contemporary Administrative Leadership (3)
• ELPS 663 Legal Aspects of Educational Administration (3)
• ELPS 664 The Business and Financial Aspects of Educational Administration (3)
• ELPS 682 Supervision of Curriculum and Instruction (3)
• ELPS 672 Management of Human Resources (3)
• ELPS 675 Decision Making Simulation (3)
• ELPS 681 Organization and Administration of Elementary, Secondary and Special Education (3)
• ELPS 688 Practicum in Educational Administration (3)

Program Learning Outcomes

Students receiving a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential will be able to:

• Facilitate the development, articulation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the school community.
• Advocate, nurture, and sustain a school culture and instructional program conducive to student learning and staff professional growth.
• Ensure management of the organization, operations, and resources for a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment.
• Collaborate with families and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources.
• Model a personal code of ethics and develop professional leadership capacity.
• Understand, respond to, and influence the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.