Education Specialist with a Major in Education Leadership

The Education Specialist Program in Education Leadership leads to a Specialist degree in Education (Ed.S) and a Tier II performance-based certification in the state of Georgia. Tier II, or advanced level certification, in the field of educational leadership, prepares candidates for advanced leadership positions that include P-12 school-level principals or the equivalent, superintendents, or other LUA staff who supervise principals. The program includes a personalized set of field and clinical experiences designed to assist students in developing a high level of knowledge, skills, and dispositions as school principals, curriculum directors, subject area supervisors, central school district administrators, and supervisory staff members.

The program is designed for persons who have a master's degree, and master's level certification in Leadership and is in a leadership position in a P-12 school. A minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate credit beyond the Master's Degree is required to complete the program. Only those courses taken after admission to the Ed.S. program may be used to fulfill the requirements of the Ed.S. degree, which includes applicable transfer credits. Credits usable in the planned program must not be more than six years old at the time the degree is completed. A maximum of 6 semester credit hours of transfer credit from a Georgia Professional Standards Commission approved institution offering the performance-based Ed.S degree may be approved for inclusion in the planned Ed.S. Program.

To be eligible for the Ed.S. Degree and recommendation for leadership certification by Albany State University, the student must have met the following requirements:

1. Fulfilled all requirements. (Applicable transfer credit must be approved during first semester of enrollment).

2. Complete useable credits within years of admission and completion.

3. A maximum of 6 semester hours of transfer credits from a Georgia Professional Standards Commission approved institution offering a performance-based Ed.S. degree may be approved for inclusion in the planned Ed.S. Program. Such credits must be approved by the chair of the department.

4. Only credits with grades of “B” or better are accepted in the Ed.S. Program.

5. The student’s Ed.S. program must include a minimum of 30 hours of course work with at least 50% of the course work being performance. This Includes a minimum of 750 clock hours of clinical experiences, performed at elementary, middle and high school and central office.

6. Except for a maximum of 6 semester hours of transfer work, all credits used in the Ed.S. program must be earned in residence at Albany State University

7. Successfully complete the Performance Assessment for School Leaders (PASL)

PHASE I

1. Minimum grade point average of 3.0.

2. Official transcripts from each college/university

3. Master's Degree

4. Certification in Educational Leadership (TIER I)

5. Minimum of three years of educational experience (teaching and/or leading).

6. Three recommendations with one from immediate supervisor.

7. Writing sample (Completed during orientation during first semester of enrollment).

8. Currently in a leadership position

* Please note: Submission of above documents does not guarantee admission to the program

PHASE II

1. Invitation to participate.

2. Interview, i.e., individual, group.

3. In basket activities.

4. On-demand writing assessment.

5. Superintendent's Assurance Form.

6. District Partnership Agreement

ADVISEMENT

After the student has been admitted to the Ed.S. Program, the departmental chairperson will appoint an advisor. The advisor will assist the student in developing an individualized program that meets degree and certification requirements.

The Education Specialist with a Major in Education Leadership program leads to Professional Licensure.

Not all programs are available to residents in all states. Please check the institution's State Authorization and Professional Licensure website(s) to ensure you reside in an authorized state.

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Georgia Professional Standards Commission