Learning Communities and Leadership GC
Program Overview
The Learning Communities and Leadership Graduate Certificate empowers educators with evidence-based practices to create equitable and student-centric learning environments. Through online coursework, educators enhance their knowledge, refine classroom efficacy, and develop leadership skills to cater to the unique needs of diverse student populations. The program emphasizes practical application, fostering critical reflection and innovative solutions in real-world educational settings.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
- Overview: The Learning Communities and Leadership Graduate Certificate (GC) empowers educators with evidence-based practices and theoretical frameworks to efficiently address the instructional, assessment, and technological requirements of diverse student demographics. Its primary objective is to foster equitable and student-centric learning environments. Open to all educators seeking to refine their knowledge, this program enhances classroom efficacy and empowers teachers to cater to the unique needs of every learner.
Objectives:
- Equip educators with research-based methodologies and frameworks to cater to the instructional, assessment, and technological needs of diverse student populations.
- Facilitate the creation of equitable and empowering learning environments that prioritize students' needs.
- Enhance educators' knowledge base, refine their classroom performance, and empower them to cater to the unique requirements of all learners.
Outline:
- Content: The GC's curriculum centers around effective strategies to reinforce student-teacher, student-student, and student-community relationships. Additionally, it covers the development, leadership, maintenance, and sustainability of vibrant learning communities. The role of the educator as a leader and scholar is also thoroughly examined.
Structure:
The program features an online delivery format facilitated through the university's course management system. It encompasses nine credit hours of coursework. Course Schedule: KSP 612: Student Centered Learning (3 credits) KSP 640: Supporting Learning through Assessments (3 credits) KSP 663: Designing Curriculum to Support Student Learning (3 credits)
Individual Modules with Descriptions:
KSP 612: Student Centered Learning
- Focuses on developing effective and equitable teaching methods to enhance student outcomes.
- Covers differentiated instruction, critical thinking, cooperative learning, and problem-based learning methodologies.
- Emphasizes the application of best practices to accommodate the diverse needs of students through stronger student-teacher, student-student, and student-community relationships.
- Explores, recognizes, and addresses personal and cultural biases in teaching practices to facilitate equitable and student-centered learning.
KSP 640: Supporting Learning through Assessments
- Explores, acknowledges, and addresses personal and cultural biases in assessment practices.
- Utilizes technology to align assessments with state or national standards, leading to clear and comprehensive learning objectives that promote equitable learning opportunities.
- Focuses on assessment creation and alignment, effective communication of results to students and stakeholders, and leveraging results to support students' continuous growth.
KSP 663: Designing Curriculum to Support Student Learning
- Utilizes theories and research-based methods to scrutinize and align curriculum, standards, instruction, and assessment in order to meet the needs of a diverse student population.
- Explores, acknowledges, and addresses personal and cultural biases in curriculum development.
- Assists in developing cohesive curriculum, instruction, and assessment that align with school improvement plans and/or mission and learning principles.
Assessment:
- Methods: The GC's assessment strategy relies on various methods tailored to each course's learning objectives. These methods incorporate a balanced blend of formative and summative assessments, including assignments, projects, presentations, and examinations.
Criteria:
Assessment criteria align with the program's goals and encompass elements such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and the utilization of research and evidence-based practices.
Teaching:
- Methods: The program's teaching approaches prioritize active learning experiences that promote critical reflection, collaboration, and the application of acquired knowledge.
Faculty:
Faculty members possess terminal degrees and bring a wealth of professional experience to the classroom. They are committed to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment, challenging students to critically reflect on their practices and cultivate innovative solutions in diverse educational settings.
Unique Approaches:
- Online, asynchronous course delivery to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals.
- Emphasis on practical application, encouraging students to implement learned strategies and reflect on their impact in real-world educational settings.
- Utilization of diverse instructional resources, including interactive simulations, virtual guest speakers, and online discussion forums.
Careers:
Career Paths:
The GC qualifies educators for roles that demand expertise in creating dynamic and supportive learning communities. Career paths include:
- Curriculum Coordinator
- Instructional Leader
- Professional Development Facilitator
- Teacher Leader
Opportunities:
Graduates possess enhanced leadership and instructional skills, making them highly competitive in diverse educational settings.
Outcomes:
By completing the GC, educators demonstrate their commitment to continuous professional development and are equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively lead and support learning communities, empowering students to thrive in the 21st-century classroom.
