Fall 2005

“[We] could not help but be impressed with the educational leadership program [at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities]. It is a program worth emulating.”
—NCATE/Minnesota Board of Teaching Review Team, Fall 2005

“Among NCATE accredited universities, the University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development ranks number one in the nation among all public universities.”
—Steve Yussen, dean of the College of Education and Human Development

Features

• Meeting the challenge of No Child Left Behind
  What can school administrators do to meet the challenge of No Child Left Behind? Dr. Stuart Yeh shares a new system for assessing student progress in math and reading—a system which could potentially reduce pressure on teachers resulting from the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act.
• The education policy fellowship program (EPFP) celebrates 30 years
  In its thirtieth year, the Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP) has helped over 350 individuals affect change in education and human services systems. Dr. Van Mueller provides an overview of this innovative program which enables participants to impact policy and leadership at the local, state, and federal levels.
• The evolution of professional development
  Quality professional development continuously improves the day-to day practices of teachers and educational leaders. Dr. Carole Gupton offers insight into how improvement is as much about the organization as it is about the individual within the organization.
• 10 great technology leadership resources for k-12 schools
  How is your school administration utilizing technology? Maybe if you knew more, you could do more. Dr. Scott McLeod, Educational Policy and Administration assistant professor and director of the UCEA Center for the Advanced Study of Technology Leadership in Education (CASTLE), provides ten essential technology resources that no educational administrator should do without.
• EdPA at the Minnesota State Fair
  Although competition was fierce, the College of Education and Human Development booth was a favorite with the state fair set this year. It was neck-and-neck between our “Education on a Stick” and the new fried favorite—“Spaghetti and Meatballs on a Stick”—but the booth proved to be a highlight for fairgoers still looking for a little wisdom with their heartburn. Read on to discover how EdPA volunteer Dr. Lynn Scearcy and scores of philanthropic others “inspired minds” between cheese-curd breaks and the 4-H Poultry Show.

From the director

• 2005 National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) review
  “Maintaining high quality programs as well as individualized attention to each of our students are core to our values. We are celebrating the results of our recent NCATE visit, but even more we are celebrating WHY we did so well.” Read how the hard work and commitment exhibited by faculty, staff, mentors and students helped make the NCATE 2005 review such a success.
• The 2006 director of special education cohort and the director of community education and educational alternatives cohort will begin Spring Semester 2006
  “Depending on how many credits the student is able to transfer into the licensure program a student may complete the certificate in PK-12 administration and be recommended for licensure to the State of Minnesota in as little as 4 semesters.” Read on and learn how to become a “leader among leaders” as a licensed director of special education, director of community education, K-12 principal, or school superintendent.
• Reviews of literature from exemplary doctoral dissertations
  “In a perfect world, wouldn’t it be lovely to have enough time to do in-depth reviews of literature for important topics that are addressed by educational leaders?” Dr. Ann Werner answers her own question by making the time to provide you with two recent reviews on timely topics: Teacher Tenure Status: Effects on Teacher-Principal Communication by Amy Steiner and School Business Partnerships by Nancy Flynn.

Spotlight

• Dr. Kim Riesgarf
  Leaders in special education for over 17 years combined, Dr. Kim Riesgraf and Dr. Chris Sonnenblum teach the U of M’s “gateway” course in special education licensure preparation, “Special Services Policy and Administration.” Read our full interview with Dr. Riesgraf and discover what new developments students can expect this spring, how “early intervention” can make all the difference, and what it’s really like to teach as a team.

Regular columns

• Bulletin board
  • Looking ahead: EdPA 5322—The School Superintendent, Fall 2006
  • Connect with your educational colleagues December 8 & 9 at the Minnesota Middle School Association Conference.
  • Join faculty and staff November 18 in honoring inaugural award recipient for Global Engagement Josef A. Mestenhauser.
  • Searching for a job in Minnesota education? Check out our job openings.
• Calendar
  Access important EdPA events and academic deadlines here
• Kudos
  It’s time to celebrate: Congratulations to the recent graduates of the licensure program.
• Connections
  • A warm welcome to faculty additions Anthony Antonio, Joan DeJaeghere, Christine Min Wotipka and Liang Zhang
  • An “exceptionally” bright future: Graduate Assistants Jayson Richardson and Ray Sykes

EdPA FYI

ATTENTION STUDENTS:
Queued registration for spring 2006 begins November 8 (check your One Stop account) and open registration (for non-degree students) begins December 2. See course listings.

Minnesota Middle School Association Conference brings in big names.

Kathy Hunt Ulock, a highly acclaimed middle level speaker, and Monte Selby, singer, songwriter and true believer in middle level education, keynote this year’s MMSA conference. Selby sings original music relating to adolescent and family issues and uses humor, real-life experiences, and his love of music to motivate educators. Back after a year’s hiatus while MMSA hosted the national conference, the MMSA conference offers dozens of sessions on pertinent educational topics—with a “middle level spin.” Join colleagues at the Bloomington Sheraton (new site) Dec. 8 and 9 for high quality staff development, vendor booths, socializing, and fun! For more information, see the conference flyer in this issue’s “Bulletin board”, or go to www.mmsa.info.

The licensure and leadership development program for educational administrators is committed to honoring the diversity of communities and learners through integrating professional wisdom; research, inquiry, and reflection; and authentic practice in the life-long development of educational administrators.

Written by and for both aspiring and practicing educational administrators, The Leader is a tri-annual publication of the licensing and leadership development program for educational administrators in the University of Minnesota's Department of Educational Policy and Administration. All articles are edited. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the University of Minnesota.

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