Principal Certification: Syllabus

Course Description
This modular principal preparation course is designed to prepare an individual to be a principal in the state of Texas. Through the distance learning modular units, the prospective principal will obtain knowledge on a broad array of topics ranging from Human Resource Management to School Finance. The vision of these modules is for the principal candidate to study and understand various aspects of the administrator discipline and then to translate this knowledge into actual practice. This knowledge will empower the principal to adapt administrator practices so as to maximize individual student learning.

While the modules are self-paced, the Introductory module, the nine instructional modules and the Comprehensive Review are designed to be completed within a twelve month time span. Candidates are progressed no faster than one instructional module every three weeks. Access to the comprehensive review module will not be granted until mastery has been demonstrated in the instructional modules and the instructional fee has been paid.

Course Modules

The following module is not a part of the twelve month timeline:

Assignments
Each module in the online instruction contains required assignments that will appear in various forms such as research, reflections, essays, and even completion of school and state procedures. Every candidate in our program holds at least a bachelor’s degree and either has earned a master’s degree or is in the process of completing a master’s degree. It is vital to the successful completion of this program that all work be of the caliber required for graduate level coursework. Any assignment not meeting the program’s high standards will be returned.

Many of the instructors are also current campus administrators. While they work diligently to grade your assignments quickly, they do not work 24 hours a day. When the requirements for a module are completed, you will be moved to the next module at the appropriate time. Please spend some time to reflect and conduct individual research on each module.

Examinations
In addition to graded assignments in each module, computer-graded assessments are administered throughout this course. Successful completion of each assessment in the instructional modules and the final competency test (located in IPAC 1009) must be accomplished prior to being recommended for certification. The module instructor is one of four individuals who will recommend a candidate for the principal certification.

Feedback
Each module will have an instructor to monitor your participation. The module instructor will be an experienced administrator who will not only read and evaluate your assignments but also will provide prompt feedback should you have a question regarding the curriculum in the module.

Text Resources
There is one book that I consider a must for all new principals, The Educator’s Guide to Texas School Law, by Frank Kemerer and Jim Walsh. This book, which can be purchased in paperback at your local bookstore, is more like an automobile owner’s manual. You will be able to turn to the appropriate section to research the law when a specific problem arises.

In each module you will also have additional required reading.  Many of these readings can be accessed free of charge through the internet, but other sources will be available only in print and will need to be purchased.  These texts have been selected because they will serve as invaluable resources which you will refer to throughout your administrative career.  A partial list of these readings includes:

Module 1001:  The New Meaning of Educational Change by Michael G. Fullan

Module 1003:  The Documentation Handbook by F. Kemerer and J. Crain, and The Little Blue Book, published by the Texas Association of School Boards.  The Little Blue Book is available free at www.tasb.org.

Module 1004:  Deciding What to Teach and Test:  Developing, Aligning, and Auditing the Curriculum by F.W. English, and The Three-Minute Walk-Through:  Changing School Supervisory Practice One Teacher at a Time by Downey, C. J., Steffy, B. E., English, F. W., Frase, L. E., & Poston, Jr., W.K.

Module 1006:  Peer assistance and review guidebook by Stroot, S. et. al.

Accommodations
If you have a disability, for which you require accommodations, please let me know. I will be glad to work with you to find an appropriate accommodation.