The Education Specialist (EdS) in Administration and Supervision is a program designed to prepare competent and effective leaders in all phases of school leadership and administration. Individuals interested in moving from the classroom to an administrative position will find this a challenging avenue of preparation. The Education Specialist in Administration and Supervision Program is designed to meet students at their present level and guide them through a quality course of study aimed at making them knowledgeable and employable as school administrators. Our courses are taught by veteran school and district administrators who understand the theory of school administrations and who have been in leadership roles. Through theoretical knowledge and practical experiences, our students develop the skills to become successful and effective school administrators. This program leads to PK-12 certification in the state of South Carolina.
Objectives
Prospective administrators are required to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of learning theories and its application to the improvement of instruction;
- Develop administrative and supervising knowledge and skills necessary for effective selection and evaluation of school personnel;
- Understand the principles and practices of curriculum development and its implementations and improvement; and
- Acquire the theoretical understandings of the particular rights, responsibilities, and ethics inherent in professional administrative service;
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills related to school community relations;
- Demonstrate knowledge of school law;
- Demonstrate competence in research used to its usage to improve school programs and administration;
- Develop human relations skills and insight necessary for effective selection and continuing development of personnel;
- Develop knowledge of school finance and its implication for fiscal responsibilities;
- Develop insight into school organization and demonstrate competence in promoting a healthy school climate;
- Demonstrate competence in understanding the role of the school in society, including emphasis on the need to re-focus the resources of the school and school system on recognized and emerging social concerns;
- Demonstrate competence in group dynamics and interpersonal relationship skills, conflict management, and change strategies;
- Demonstrate competence in developing programs for students with special needs;
- Demonstrate competence in the management and use of information systems;
- Demonstrate competence in supervision, classroom observation, evaluation, and conference skills; and
- Demonstrate competence in conceptualizing the interrelatedness of the various disciplines in order to make curricular improvement
Learning Outcomes
- Prospective administrators will demonstrate knowledge and skills related to school community relations.
- The prospective administrators will exhibit effective observation and evaluation skills when observing classroom teachers.
- The teacher will use research to improve student learning and school programs.
Clinical experiences for administrators are designed to help practicing and prospective educational administrators apply their knowledge of administration to the practical world of the public or private school. Typically, students will select, with assistance from the instructor, a major project or a series of smaller projects to develop, research, and complete. While library research may be called for, the emphasis is on solving actual administrative problems in the school or establishing procedures and programs related to leadership responsibilities of various administrators. Students receive guidance and assistance from school administrators as well as Converse instructors. Independent research and study are augmented by seminars.
The internship in administration attempts to articulate principles of educational leadership. Prerequisite graduate courses will provide the theoretical base for such aspects of administration as legal mandates and restraints, financial processes, curriculum development, personnel management, and supervision of instruction. The practicum begins with a quick review of principles of administration, moves to a consideration of problems administrators face (via case studies), and concludes with field-base experience and/or research in an appropriate educational setting and with supervision from both the school (via an assigned school-based mentor) and the University instructor during the academic year.
The practicum student who is not currently in an administrative position will design a contract to ensure a broad range of experiences in six categories of educational leadership positions. Practicing administrators will design special projects related to—but beyond—their normal administrative responsibilities.
The internship is also designed to provide knowledge of available computer software and the skills necessary to use computer information systems in a public school setting. Practicum interns will turn in their written work before the end of the semester in which the practicum is completed.
Requirements for Admission
In establishing criteria for admission to the program, the University is guided by the conviction that positions of instructional leadership should be occupied by educators of high academic achievement, demonstrated competence as teachers, and visible attributes of leadership. Applicants will therefore be evaluated by reference to the following standards:
- Academic Record
Applicants must have earned a master’s degree from an accredited institution and normally have maintained at least a 3.0 average in that course of study. High Praxis II scores are also required to demonstrate academic ability - Teaching Ability
The record of the applicant must show at least three years of successful full-time teaching and high recommendations as an instructor. - Personal Qualities
In evaluating the potential for leadership, the University will pay particular attention to the required letters of recommendation, seeking evidence of strength of character, skill in decision-making, and a talent for articulate speaking and writing.
Application Procedure
To be considered for admission to the EdS program an applicant should submit the following credentials:
- A completed application online
- $40 application fee;
- $100 Graduate Deposit fee:
- Official undergraduate and graduate transcripts from all colleges attended;
- NTE/Praxis II scores;
- Three letters of recommendation;
- An appropriate master’s degree for teaching at the elementary or secondary school level;
- Three years teaching experience
- A 3.0 GPA in their master’s degree from an accredited institution
- Valid teacher’s certificate; and
- A personal statement. This statement should be a reflection on how your personal goals as an educator tie with the Converse concept of the “Ideal” Educator. This ideal is derived from the Converse University Founder’s Ideal in which Dexter Edgar Converse said his desire was that Converse students “may be enabled to see clearly, decide wisely, and to act justly.” How do you see your Converse graduate program helping you “to see clearly, decide wisely, and to act justly”? Your personal statement should be approximately one page (250–300 words). In keeping with the Honor Tradition at Converse, your essay must be entirely your own work. Organize your essay clearly, proofread and spell-check your essay carefully. Be as specific as you can as you reflect on how Converse can help you become the “Ideal” Educator.
- Completed essay
In order to earn the EdS degree the candidate must:
- Complete an approved 30-hour program as outlined within a five-year period from initial matriculation (up to nine hours of graduate transfer work may be accepted toward the degree, but all such work must be completed within five years of beginning the program. In no case can work completed as part of a master’s degree be applied to the EdS);
- Maintain an overall B (3.0) average;
- Submit score on Praxis II (Educational Administration and Supervision); maintain a portfolio of specified work;
- Request and complete the Application for Degree form by the deadline for May Commencement;
- Complete certification form in the Graduate Studies Office; and
- Complete the graduate questionnaire, for which students will receive a link through their Converse email; and
- Fulfill all financial obligations and have cleared any outstanding business with the University one week prior to the Commencement exercises.
- Praxis II in Educational Leadership Administration/Supervision
- Portfolio over two semesters of the Internship
THE CONVERSE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM POWERED BY STUDENT LEARNING & LICENSURE (SLL)
All EdS candidates are required to purchase SLL. Candidates submit portfolios, projects, or other work samples via the Converse electronic system powered by SLL. Professors assess candidate work through this online system as well. The Education Department uses SLL to track candidate performance and to measure program effectiveness.
SLL accounts are active for the duration of a candidate’s degree program plus a year or a total of five years, whichever is greater.