Program Overview

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Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation, MS

This is a named option in the Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis MS. It provides all coursework necessary to meet the requirements for licensure as a school principal in the state of Wisconsin.

Program Description

The online program is designed for current teachers and school or system leaders who are committed to becoming effective leaders of schools that eliminate inequities in student learning for all students in the schools and systems they serve. At the completion of the 14-month program, candidates will receive a master of science in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis and be eligible for endorsement for a Wisconsin administrator license for the principalship.

Admissions

• The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below.
• Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School.
• Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s).
• Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online.

Deadline

• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the cohort reaches capacity.
• The final deadline for applying is April 15 for a summer start.
• In most cases, you will be informed of an admission decision within 3-4 weeks of receiving your completed application.

Application

Applicants should hold a teaching license and upload the following items to the online application:

• Essay statement (not to exceed two pages) that addresses the following:
  1. Describe evidence in your educational practice of your commitment to addressing equity/social justice issues and a desire to lead with a focus on eliminating inequities.
  2. Describe evidence of your instructional excellence with a range of diverse learners.
  3. Describe evidence of leadership excellence related to equity and diversity.
  4. Is there anything else you would like us to know about why you would be an excellent candidate for this program on social justice?
• Unofficial transcripts. If recommended for admissions, official transcripts will be requested by the Graduate School.
• Resume or CV.
• Supporting document if undergraduate GPA is below 3.00. In statement, explain why GPA does not accurately reflect high potential to serve in leadership roles.

Funding

Graduate School Resources

The Bursars Office provides information about tuition and fees associated with being a graduate student. Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid. Further funding information is available from the Graduate School.

Program Information

Students enrolled in this program are not eligible to receive tuition remission from graduate assistantship appointments at this institution.

Program Requirements

Modes of Instruction

The program is offered online.

Curricular Requirements

• Minimum Credit Requirement: 30 credits
• Minimum Residence Credit Requirement: 16 credits
• Minimum Graduate Coursework Requirement: 24 credits must be graduate-level coursework.
• Overall Graduate GPA Requirement: 3.00 GPA required.
• Other Grade Requirements: None.
• Assessments and Examinations: None.
• Language Requirements: None.

Required Courses

The following courses are required:

• ELPA 735: Leadership for Equity and Diversity (3 credits)
• ELPA 832: Resource Allocation for Equity and Social Justice (3 credits)
• ELPA 847: Instructional Leadership and Teacher Capacity (3 credits)
• ELPA 900: Internship in Educational Administration (3 credits)
• ELPA 845: School-Level Leadership (3 credits)
• ELPA 863: Race, Class and Educational Inequality (3 credits)
• ELPA/INTER-HE 770: Community, Opportunity, and Justice (3 credits)
• ELPA 840: Public School Law (3 credits) or ELPA 640: Legal Rights and Responsibilities for Teachers
• ELPA 703: Evaluating and Supporting Quality Classroom Teaching (3 credits)
• ELPA 726: Data-Driven Leadership for Educational Equity and Systemic School Improvement (3 credits)

Practicum

The program includes a practicum experience that requires 150 contact hours for an initial administrator license and an additional 75 hours for each additional administrative license.

Optional Coursework for Additional Licensure

Students may also be eligible for a Director of Instruction (6 additional credits) and/or Director of Special Education and Pupil Services license (6 additional credits) by completing additional coursework and an additional 75-hour practicum for each license.

Policies

Probation

Refer to the Graduate School: Probation policy.

Advisor / Committee

Refer to the Graduate School: Advisor and Graduate School: Committees (Doctoral/Masters/MFA) policies.

Credits Per Term Allowed

12 credits

Time Limits

Refer to the Graduate School: Time Limits policy.

Grievances and Appeals

The School of Education has a grievance policy and procedures in place for students.

Professional Development

The Graduate School offers professional development resources to build skills, thrive academically, and launch your career.