Course Descriptions
ED 701 Proseminar I: Introduction to Doctoral Study 3 credits
An Introduction to doctoral study including a program overview, the foundational
values of Edgewood College, the role of educational research, APA style writing
requirements, the partnership mentor program, portfolio guidelines, and professional
standards in assessment. Institutional research tools and technology along with
related information retrieval skills support will be provided by professional
librarians at Edgewood College's Oscar Rennebohm Library, preparing students for
effective searching of the latest specialized electronic sources in education and
leadership, culminating in one-on-one, in-depth exploration of resources available
on research topics.
ED 710 (section 1) District Level Administration - Superintendency 6 credits
This course is a comprehensive overview of the role of the superintendent and
district level administration beginning with a historical and conceptual analysis.
This course focuses on the application of leadership theory and self reflection
regarding the criteria set forth in Wisconsin Statutes for those who aspire to
leadership roles in Wisconsin public schools: knowing teacher obligations;
creating a vision for education; nurturing a school culture of continuous
improvement; managing the resources of the organization; collaborating with
others; acting with integrity in an ethical manner; and interacting with the
larger community politically, socially, legally, and economically to affect
educational improvements. Additionally, students will begin the process of
identifying their dissertation topic and employ research practices as they
perform applied research relevant to their topic and/or their current educational
position.
ED 710 (section 2) Leadership in Higher Education 6 credits
A comprehensive examination of the role of leadership at the postsecondary
education level, grounded in a historical and conceptual analysis. This course
is designed to explore organizational theory, models and policies, along
with governance, management processes, and leadership from multiple perspectives
in higher education. This course integrates current theory, best practices,
and opportunities for practical application. Through meaningful dialogue,
historical analysis, individual and collaborative research, and engagement
with experienced leaders working in the field of higher education, students
will develop a firm working concept of leadership theories and principles,
and apply these leadership principles and activities in their job. This
course provides opportunities for students to gain valuable insights on leading
student services and academic departments within community and technical colleges,
universities, and other higher education organizations and agencies.
ED 720 Leadership Behavior; Politics, Policy and Administration 6 credits
The relationship among politics, educational policy and educational practice is
explored in its broadest sense. Particular emphasis is given to political and
leadership theories, their practical application and the role of leadership in
developing and implementing policy in the political environment within and outside
of educational organizations. Politics and policy are discussed in within an
ethical framework of social justice and equity. Content will be applied in a
variety of class experiences, mentoring activities, and related field assignments.
ED 730 Curriculum, Instruction and Learning Environments 6 credits
Curriculum, instruction, assessment and the learning environment are stressed
in a context emphasizing organizational frameworks for leadership roles in
management, staff development, learning theory, human development, and ethical
considerations of supporting teaching and learning at the department and
district levels. Specific attention is given to emergent research in learning
style, cognition, intelligence, constructivism in theory and practice, cultural
information, individual differences, and the creation of learning communities.
Candidates are required to research curriculum models and to apply course content
to work site situations in a variety of experiences.
ED 801 Proseminar II: Research and Leadership 6 credits
Students will experience research endeavors in education by way of
presentations from former students and professional researchers in the field of
education. Research paradigms and assessment perspectives will be viewed
through the lens of professional inquiry and students will be challenged to
begin the process of honing a researchable topic for a dissertation. The
first review of the learning portfolio will be done.
ED 810 Budget, Finance, and Resource Allocation 6 credits
This course will provide a substantive approach to public school finance at the
school district level. This approach will include topical areas in both fiscal
and non-fiscal areas, strategic planning and resource allocation, budgeting and
finance. This course will present a practical understanding of the Wisconsin
Uniform Financial Accounting Requirements (WUFAR), an overview of national, state
and local funding systems, and a summary property tax impacts as related to
Wisconsin school finance. This course will also demonstrate technological
applications in the framework of district initiatives such as referenda, data
management systems, and financial forecasting systems. This course will examine
state and federal categorical programs in the context of funding, expenditures,
legal mandates, and ethical considerations.
ED 820 Law and Media 6 credits
This course offers a case study approach to school law in such areas as staff,
student, and personnel law as well as broader categories such as tort liability,
civil rights, gender equity, and plant and facility administration. Ethical
and leadership implications of legal issues will be explored under the tutelage
of experienced and dedicated specialized educational lawyers. Students will
interact with media representatives from both print and visual domains regarding
public relations strategies for school and campus issues, including an on-site,
interactive, live field-based experience with a commercial broadcast television station.
ED 830 Research Design and Methodology 6 credits
Topics include research design; quantitative, qualitative, mixed methodologies;
research applications and school improvement; leadership roles and research; and
the research foundations of doctoral dissertation. Students are expected to create
a dissertation proposal as the culminating project for this class.
ED 901 Proseminar III Research and Assessment 3 credits
Program assessments including the written comprehensive examination, the dissertation
proposal presentation, and the final portfolio evaluation are completed. Dissertation
guidelines, research project development, dissertation reporting and writing, and
dissertation advisor assignments are confirmed.
ED 910 Dissertation Preparation 3 credits
Guided research and dissertation development.
ED 920 Dissertation Writing 3 credits
Dissertation draft.
ED 930 Dissertation Presentation 3 credits
Dissertation final written copy preparation.



