Assessment, Learning, and Student Success, School Improvement Concentration, Ed.D.

The Ed.D. in Assessment, Learning, and Student Success is a doctoral program that capitalizes on faculty expertise in the College of Education and across the University. The program provides a structured curriculum with early development and ongoing support for students as they work to complete their doctoral dissertations. The Ed.D. in Assessment, Learning, and Student Success has two concentrations: School Improvement and Higher Education.

Program Description

The K12 concentration offers research-based knowledge, analytical skills, and practical application to enhance student learning, increase assessment scores, and improve schools. This is not a program you learn about now and do someday; in the ALSS program's K-12 concentration, you will integrate your learning directly into your setting in a job-embedded professional development approach. Educators who want to make an immediate difference in the lives of K-12 students are attracted to the program and the opportunity to participate in projects that result in direct improvements. The cohort-based doctoral program provides a structured curriculum that considers that most students are employed during their studies. Furthermore, candidates may opt into an approved pathway leading to administrative licensure through the ALSS K12 School Improvement EdD Program. All participants benefit from the support and collegiality of their cohorts.

Concentration in School Improvement

The concentration in School Improvement is designed to:

• meet a specific need to develop the capacity of PreK-12 school leaders (including teacher-leaders and education leaders across the range of policy and non-profit agencies),
• significantly improve student academic achievement
• meet increased accountability mandates. This degree will provide educational leaders with the knowledge and analytical skills to analyze all forms of student-learning data (formative and summative, quantitative and qualitative) in order to accurately identify initiatives that will improve their students' success.

Careers

Program graduates may also find work in:

• Leadership and administration in K12 education
• Higher education
• Research
• Educational policy
• Governmental agencies
• Not-for-profit and philanthropic organizations
• Professional development consulting, which will also contribute to improved student and school achievement.

Requirements

Admission Requirements

Admission is limited and will be based on a holistic review of test scores, past academic success, and potential for success in a rigorous doctoral program. The following are guidelines for admission to the Ed.D. in Assessment, Learning, and Student Success (although meeting these criteria does not guarantee admission to this selective program of study):

• Applicants are expected to have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 in undergraduate coursework.
• Students who have taken graduate courses are expected to have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 in graduate coursework.
• Applicants are expected to submit three letters of recommendation from former professors or other individuals who know the student's ability.

Application Procedures

All application materials must be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies. Applicant must:

1. have earned a Master's degree from an accredited institution;
2. submit application with the appropriate application fee;
3. submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities previously attended showing a grade point average (GPA) in previous academic work that indicates potential for success in advanced study;
4. submit three letters of recommendation which must meet specific criteria.
5. submit a statement of purpose communicating professional goals and suitability for the doctoral program in Assessment, Learning, and Student Success.
6. submit a current vitae including education and employment history, experience with school improvement, professional presentations and publications, awards, recognitions, etc.;
7. participate in an interview with the Assessment, Learning, and Student Success doctoral program admission committee as part of the admissions process.

Degree Requirements

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Assessment, Learning, and Student Success requires:

1. completion of 60-72 semester hours;
2. completion of a minimum of one research-based article submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed professional journal;
3. completion of one research-based presentation at a regional
   ational educational conference;
4. mastery of academic coursework (measured by course grades and successful completion of a comprehensive examination); and
5. successful defense of a dissertation that demonstrates mastery of applied research methods in the field of education.

Curriculum: Assessment, Learning, and Student Success, School Improvement

The following illustrates the minimum coursework requirements. In addition, a maximum of 24 hours of dissertation research may be required to fulfill degree requirements.

Student Learning Core (13 hours)

• ALSI 7010 - Cognitive Learning Theory and Student Achievement
• ALSI 7020 - Implementing a Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum
• ALSI 7030 - The Effective Teaching Knowledge Base
• ALSI 7040 - Teacher Observation, Evaluation, and Improvement
• ALSI 7050 - Application and Research Seminar: Student Learning

Research Methods (9 hours)

• ALSI 7600 - Educational Statistics
• ALSI 7610 - Qualitative Research Methodologies
• ALSI 7620 - Advanced Quantitative Research Methodologies OR ALSI 7630 - Advanced Qualitative Research Methods

Assessment Core (13 hours)

• ALSI 7210 - Assessment Literacy
• ALSI 7220 - Improvement Science
• ALSI 7230 - Formative Assessments and Improved Student Learning
• ALSI 7240 - Data Analysis, Learning, and School Improvement
• ALSI 7250 - Application and Research Seminar: Assessing Student Learning

Research-Based School Improvement Core (13 hours)

• ALSI 7410 - Highly Effective Schools and School Districts
• ALSI 7420 - Schools as Professional Learning Communities
• ALSI 7430 - Collaborative Teaming and Effective Schools
• ALSI 7440 - Culture and Identity
• ALSI 7450 - Application and Research Seminar: Student Success

Dissertation (12-24 hours)

• ALSI 7640 - Dissertation Research (Students will enroll in dissertation research in multiple semesters for a total of 12-24 credits.)

Faculty

• Dr. Kevin Scott Krahenbuhl, Director
• Dr. John Lando Carter, Associate Professor
• Dr. Heather Kaye Dillard, Professor
• Dr. Kim Evert, Associate Professor
• Dr. Stacy Fields, Associate Professor
• Dr. Angela G. Hooser, Associate Professor

Information

MTSU's doctorate in Assessment, Learning, and Student Success became a reality after more than 40 years of working for a program that focuses on improving K-12 teaching and learning. This unique program is designed to meet a specific need to develop capabilities of existing school leaders, in formal and informal leadership roles. The program offers research-based knowledge, analytical skills, and practical application to enhance student learning, increase assessment scores, and improve schools.

Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Ed.D. in Assessment, Learning, and Student Success is a doctoral program capitalizing on faculty expertise in the College of Education and across the University. The program provides a structured curriculum with early development and ongoing support for students as they work to complete their doctoral dissertations. The Ed.D. in Assessment, Learning, and Student Success has two concentrations: School Improvement and Higher Education.

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Objectives:

• Provide research-based knowledge, analytical skills, and practical application to enhance student learning, increase assessment scores, and improve schools.
• Meet a specific need to develop the capacity of PreK-12 school leaders (including teacher-leaders and education leaders across the range of policy and non-profit agencies),
• Significantly improve student academic achievement, and
• Meet increased accountability mandates.

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Outline:

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Content:

• Assessment
• Learning
• Student Success

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Structure:

• Cohort-based doctoral program

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Faculty:

• Dr. Kevin Scott Krahenbuhl, Director
• Dr. John Lando Carter, Associate Professor
• Dr. Heather Kaye Dillard, Associate Professor
• Dr. Kim Evert, Assistant Professor
• Dr. Stacy Fields, Assistant Professor
• Dr. Angela G. Hooser, Assistant Professor

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Unique Approaches:

• Job-embedded professional development approach

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Careers:

• Educational leaders
• Higher education
• Research
• Educational policy
• Governmental agencies
• Not-for-profit and philanthropic organizations
• Professional development consulting

Middle Tennessee State University

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Overview:

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is a large university with a small-town feel, located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. It is known for its affordability, strong academic programs, and vibrant campus life. MTSU is a public university with a diverse student body, including a significant number of first-generation students.

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Services Offered:

MTSU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Financial Aid:

83% of students receive financial aid, with over $230 million in assistance available.

Campus Improvements:

The university has invested $1.5 billion in recent campus improvements and renovations.

Academic Support:

MTSU provides academic advising, tutoring, and other support services to help students succeed.

Student Life:

The university offers a variety of student organizations, clubs, and activities to enhance the campus experience.

Career Services:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

MTSU boasts a vibrant campus life with a strong sense of community. Students can enjoy:

Large Campus with Small-Town Feel:

MTSU's 515-acre campus offers a scenic, park-like setting while maintaining a close-knit atmosphere.

Active Student Organizations:

Students can join over 200 student organizations and clubs, catering to diverse interests.

Athletics:

MTSU has 17 Division I sports teams, providing opportunities for both participation and spectator enjoyment.

Campus Events:

The university hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, lectures, and sporting events.

Student Union:

The Student Union serves as a central hub for students, offering dining, a bookstore, a game room, a theater, and more.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Affordability:

MTSU offers the lowest tuition among Tennessee's three largest universities, making it a highly affordable option.

Strong Academic Programs:

MTSU offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate majors and concentrations, including highly ranked programs in areas like Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Audio Engineering.

Diverse Student Body:

MTSU is home to a diverse student population, including a significant number of first-generation students.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university offers a wide range of student organizations, clubs, and activities, fostering a strong sense of community.

Career Opportunities:

MTSU provides career counseling, job placement assistance, and internship opportunities to help students prepare for their future careers.

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Academic Programs:

MTSU offers a wide range of academic programs across eight colleges, including:

Arts and Sciences:

Offers majors in fields like biology, chemistry, English, history, and mathematics.

Business:

Offers majors in accounting, finance, marketing, and management.

Education:

Offers majors in elementary education, secondary education, and special education.

Engineering and Technology:

Offers majors in computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Fine Arts:

Offers majors in music, theater, and art.

Health and Human Sciences:

Offers majors in nursing, health sciences, and human development.

Liberal Arts:

Offers majors in communication, journalism, and political science.

University College:

Offers a variety of general studies programs and interdisciplinary majors.

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Other:

• MTSU is the number 1 producer of college graduates in the greater Nashville area.
• MTSU is home to the first public Honors College in Tennessee.
• MTSU has more than two dozen Fulbright scholars.
• MTSU students, alumni, faculty, and staff have won 47 Grammy Awards since 2001.
• MTSU is known for its flexible programs that emphasize real-world projects and soft skills development.