Foundations of Education Certificate

Program Description

Fee $1200

The foundations course features the historical, philosophical, and theoretical development of public education in elementary and high schools. It also focuses on educational models and elements of school operation in relation to the issues and challenges of the 21st century. Knowing the foundations prepares the students the skills needed to provide systematic and systemic planning and implementation of strategic initiatives. Principles of school improvement, strategic planning, organizing for effectiveness, and ongoing involvement of stakeholders related to the educational institution are explored through individual and collaborative projects.

Program Prerequisites and Requirements

Eligible participants must be graduate-level teachers (instructional specialists, administrators, or any other school staff member assigned teaching duties or with access to educational facilities and programs) with current access to classrooms and a school (from grades preK-12, any content area).
Participants must have regular access to a computer with reliable internet connectivity.
The Introduction to Graduate Studies – Site Orientation must be completed prior to the start of the first course.

At the end of this program, students will be able to:

Interpret the U.S. judicial and legislative systems and the formation of laws relating to public education
Analyze current school practices from the standpoint of potential legal controversies
Examine the foundation of education in the US and how it has changed throughout the 21st Century

Explore school leaders challenging roles and impact on teacher and school effectiveness
Examine the components of a School Improvement Plan

9 Credit Hours