EdS pursuit

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by StevenKing, Dec 30, 2009.

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  1. StevenKing

    StevenKing Active Member

    Is anyone on this board familiar with an online EdS program that:

    • Is NCATE accredited...
    • Has K-12 Ed Leadership as a concentration...
    • Leads to licensure in the state in which it's conferred?
    Liberty's program seems to be the only one I recall.

    Kindly,
     
  2. scaredrain

    scaredrain Member

    Walden University has an EdS that leads to principal licensure. You may want to look at alternative means of getting licensed. This is the route that I went to get my license.
     
  3. major56

    major56 Active Member

    What state are you seeking the K-12 administrator licensure? Different states have different requirements; and obtaining certification in one state as an administrator (educational leadership) doesn’t necessarily equate to inclusive transference to another state licensing board (even with NASDTEC reciprocity agreement). For instance in Texas there is no Ed.S. program offered by any university in Texas I’m familiar with … this “post-masters” isn’t required for either the principal or superintendent certification from the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC); however, additional graduate hours beyond the master degree (6-hrs. for principal /16-hrs. for superintendent) along with a supervised internship, and of course, additionally passing the SBEC qualifying exam (e.g., a full 1-day exam for superintendent). I’m not knocking the Ed.S. credential, just ensure it’s necessary for licensure in your particular state or … even transferrable for credentialing purposes if you complete a program from another state. In other words if the K-12 credential is your ultimate goal, don’t complete unnecessary or unusable academic hours or programs.

    The Ed.S. is a rarity in Texas (however when found – it's usually in curriculum and instruction) presumably because it’s not compulsory for administrator licensure. Even though the degree is a recognized specialist degree, I don’t believe it would save one any initial credentialing requirements in Texas as an administrator (e.g., Principal and/or Superintendent).

    Additional Universities offering the Ed.S. (online) in the specialty you’re seeking:

    Walden http://www.waldenu.edu/Degree-Programs/Certificate-Programs/Education-Specialist.htm

    University of North Carolina http://online.northcarolina.edu/program.php?id=172

    East Carolina University “Candidates for the Eds program should have a master's degree and Level I licensure in administration and/or supervision. Evidence of three years of successful leadership experience is highly recommended for candidates applying to the EdS program.” http://www.ecu.edu/cs-educ/leed/EducationSpec.cfm

    Oakland University http://www.oakland.edu/EDS-Distance/

    P.S. I didn't check to see which of these are NCATE accredited ... sorry.
     
  4. major56

    major56 Active Member

  5. StevenKing

    StevenKing Active Member

    Major 56,

    Thank you for your thorough response. I am considering admin certification in NC as a "next step" in my career. I am learning that NC is somewhat of an anomaly when it comes to the granting of licensure. Heretofore, I have had experience with TN and KY and found both states to be more accomodating with respect to licensure pursuits.

    Case in point: in my last state, I pursued Business Education through alternative certification. The process was a year long and resulted in a clear credential for vocational business education. I was quite surprised when I submitted two RA master's degrees, proof of clear credential out-of-state, and a letter of explanation about alternative certification that NC originally turned it down. A call to DPI and a letter from KY resulted in NC issuing an original teaching licensure. [As an aside, since I was just hired, I am quite unhappy that I'll be "closely monitored" for the balance of this year and all of next year to overturn the original status.]

    I am stymied, however, that NC does not consider attainment of an MBA to be legitimate proof of business education. In both my previous states, alternative licensure was proven by a graduate degree, PRAXIS II test scores, or completion of a suitable teacher's education program. According to NC's DPI (Department of Public Instruction), I would have to had completed a graduate degree in vocational business education (the type of certification) to be awarded an "M" designation on my teaching license. Since KY and TN do not have such encumberances, I am confused on "why" it's a necessity, especially after DPI informed me that a simple form from my hiring district would have me remunerated at the graduate pay scale. The licensure specialist assured me that an "M" designation could be added to my license by obtaining further education or securing an "add-on" licensure at the graduate level.

    Perhaps obtaining an MEd in C/I was a poor choice. At the time, I believed that additional training about integrating technology into curriculum is what I needed. [I really didn't have much interest in pursuing administration at the time.] Now that I've taught a few years, I sense that stepping up into administration might be very convenient.

    Here is where I face a dilemma: do I try to bump up my licensure by obtaining an add-on or pursue something higher? Since I have completed an MEd...either going for an EdD or EdS seems to be a logical choice (given the recent decision to posture myself for administrative candidacy...). Further discussions with DPI assures me that pursuing any degree out-of-state that meets that states requirements for administrative credentialling is a viable way of obtaining administrative credentialling in NC.

    To that end, I had strongly considered Liberty's EdS program as a vehicle. DPI indicates that if there's a hint that the degree is not K-12 oriented, then it won't work for administrative credentialling. A quick look of Liberty's program does not sufficiently answer that question and applicable emails are awaiting answer.

    I will check on the links you have provided. East Carolina's program would be ideal if I had Level 1 licensure in administration. If I could find an EdD program, offered mostly online (or with suitable summer residencies) that culminated in K-12 licensure, I would definitely skip the EdS route and pursue it.

    Kindly,
     
  6. StevenKing

    StevenKing Active Member

    Major 56,
    This one looks promising. The website does not indicate if this leads to licensure in NE. Depending on the steps necessary (internship, SLLA, etc.)...this one looks viable, as a class in superintendency seems to support a K-12 pursuit.

    Kindly,
     
  7. major56

    major56 Active Member

    I am almost assuredly certain that the Ed.S. from Wayne State will qualify for licensure in Nebraska; otherwise there would be little need in carrying NCATE accreditation. And in that most superintendent certifications programs do focus on public school district central office leadership … K-12 educational leadership is also highly likely this program’s emphasis vs. post-secondary. (In Texas the designation is Principal or Superintendent EC-12 Standard Certificate, e.g., early childhood thru 12 – merely semantics).

    I'd suggest you call them directly for official clarification; my recall was that they were very obliging. Moreover, you might also fax or email transcript copies to the department for initial evaluation regarding course requiements and transfer credit options. And don't discount the opportunity to negotiate!
     
  8. -kevin-

    -kevin- Resident Redneck

    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 31, 2009
  9. major56

    major56 Active Member

    The University of Texas – Permian Basin (UTPB) also offers the online Texas EC-12 superintendent certification; I did mine with them back in 2005. Use this link from UT TeleCampus system regarding the program. However, one may be required to already possess a Principal certification; I just don't remember (?).
    http://www.telecampus.utsystem.edu/catalog/programs/programinfo/utops.aspx

    Tuition rates UTPB: http://www.utpb.edu/media/pdf/ug-catalog/ug-catalog---depts/tuitionfeesdeposits.pdf

    The school has NCATE and SACS accreditation.
     
  10. StevenKing

    StevenKing Active Member

     
  11. StevenKing

    StevenKing Active Member

    Hey Kevin,
    I am going to call the people at Nebraska-Lincoln and see if what they confer gives initial principal certification in Nebraska. If so, that might be the winner.

    Thanks!
     
  12. major56

    major56 Active Member

    In that I was serving as a Principal during that time, I kind of figured that was a prerequisite to the UTPB program … I just didn’t recall. While checking with Nebraska-Lincoln, additionally don’t disregard the Wayne State College Ed.S. option either – it’s also a Nebraska school. Hopefully either choice would meet your needs.
     
  13. StevenKing

    StevenKing Active Member

    Thanks, Major! I intend to query both programs and see which is the better fit.

    Kindly,
     
  14. major56

    major56 Active Member

    You’re welcome! I hope both programs (Nebraska-Lincoln /Wayne State) will meet your need. Please let us know how everything turns out. :)
     
  15. mattbrent

    mattbrent Well-Known Member

  16. StevenKing

    StevenKing Active Member

  17. major56

    major56 Active Member

    If you already possess a master degree, I believe some universities may well exempt the GRE requirement. Ask them; and if need be negotiate. :cool:
     
  18. StevenKing

    StevenKing Active Member

    Major,
    Yes...I have seen this in a few of the schools I am perusing.

    Kindly,
     
  19. major56

    major56 Active Member

    In that the GRE is a measurement tool /resource that can be utilized for initial evaluation toward probable graduate-level success, it may well be considered a somewhat redundant process if the applicant has previous graduate academic achievement; of course some institutions will exempt … but others won’t. Besides, there’s money to be made in assessment – an industry to itself. :D
     

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