EDLD604

Purposeful change resulting in curricular and instructional improvement cannot be achieved without the application of effective planning, research, data analysis, and decision making. This course examines school-based research methods and related strategies that support the educational leader as researcher and change agent. Students will gain knowledge of, and proficiency in the application of the action research process to drive school curricular and instructional improvement. In preparation for the Intern I/II experience, aspiring school leaders will explore and, ultimately, identify a particular curriculum area of interest; examine literature related to the problem area; and begin to determine strategies for data collection that will assist in decision-making and curriculum planning and development. Evaluation of performance will include the formulation of a research proposal that addresses a particular curriculum area of interest, problem statement, literature review, recommended research methodologies, and recommendations for curriculum design, development and renewal.