30 – 33 Credit Hours
The Educational Specialist in Instructional Leadership at Alabama State University builds on the knowledge and abilities developed at the Class A (Master’s degree) level. Candidates will use their skills to create and practice successful instructional leadership. Program emphasis will be placed on the development of shared leadership practices with stakeholders in improving student achievement, especially parents and teachers. Any questions regarding the Instructional Leadership Program should be directed to the Chairperson of Instructional Support Programs (334) 229-6829.
Application forms can be downloaded online and should be completed and submitted to The Murphy Graduate School. Prior to an applicant being fully admitted to the program, he or she must complete a portfolio and an interview.
Instructional Leadership Program Admissions Requirements
The Alabama State Department of Education requires that candidates for advanced certification for Instructional Leadership shall be at the Class AA level and shall minimally ensure the following:
- All candidates must undergo a criminal history background check. Additional information is provided in Rule 290-3-3-.02(5).
- All candidates must hold a Class A Professional Educator Certificate in Instructional Leadership or one of the other Class A leadership certificate designations instructional leader, principal, superintendent, superintendent-principal, educational administrator, supervisor (any subject and/or grade level), administrator of career and technical education].
- Candidates must meet one of the following criteria:
- Possess a Class A Instructional Leadership certificate earned after completing a redesigned program at a university in Alabama.
- Be currently serving as a superintendent, assistant or associate superintendent, assistant to the superintendent, principal, assistant principal, supervisor (any subject and/or grade level), administrator of career and technical education, coordinator, or evaluator.
- Document three years of employment in an instructional leadership position for which one of the certificates in Rule 290-3-3-.53.01(2)(b) is proper certification according to the current edition of the Subject and Personnel Codes of the Alabama State Department of Education.
- Applicants who completed a Class A program other than one approved by the State Board of Education on or after September 8, 2005, must submit a portfolio which includes:
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Most recent performance appraisals.
- Evidence of ability to lead student achievement.
- Evidence of leadership and management potential.
- Reasons for pursuing the Class AA certificate in instructional leadership.
- Minimum grade point average requirement for admission to the Instructional Leadership Program
- ED.S./AA Level Certification is 3.25.
As with the Master of Education in Instructional Leadership, applicants will be interviewed prior to admissions. ILP faculty and LEAs will be involved in the process of determining which applicants should be interviewed and admitted based on the interview process itself.
Program Requirements
The Educational Specialist Program in Instructional Leadership includes 30-33 credit hours with no fewer than 30 of the semester hours of course work being at the sixth-year level or above. Candidates will complete 21 credit hours of core courses, including technology, 6 credit hours of problem analysis, and a three-credit hour advisor elective. If candidates have not successfully taken a Survey of Special Education course, they will need to take SED 500 – the Exceptional Student.
Comprehensive Examination
To complete program requirements, candidates must pass a comprehensive assessment that documents mastery of the Class AA Instructional Leader program curriculum.
Core Courses (21 Credit hours)
| ILP 680 | Organ. Theory and Practics | 3 |
| ILP 681 | Supert. and School Organ Sem | 3 |
| ILP 682 | School Business/Mngmy Accout | 3 |
| ILP 683 | Curr. & teaching for Inst Lead | 3 |
| ILP 684 | Ethical & Legal Decision Makin | 3 |
| ILP 685 | Adv Human Resource Dev | 3 |
| ILP 686 | Clinical Srdy Inst. Leadrsh I | 3 |
| ILP 687 | Cinical Stdy Inst Leadrshp II | 3 |
Elective (3 Credit hours)
Candidates will select one advisor-approved elective (3 Credits)