Competencies for Effective School Leadership: To What Extent Are They Included in Ed.D. Leadership Programs?

• In Event: Roundtable Session 18.
  In Roundtable Session: Innovation and Impact in Educational Leadership Preparation Programs

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study is to examine the practical relevance of the coursework of EdD programs in PreK-12 school leadership. Three hundred and forty-two principals from California public schools, 43 EdD program graduates, and 38 doctoral faculty members of the California State University system participated in this study. A survey instrument based on the ISLLC Standards for School Leaders was used to measure respondents’ perceived importance of the knowledge, skills, and values for effective school leadership and the extent to which they were included in the EdD coursework. This study finds that the curriculum of EdD leadership programs lacked practical relevance, and adds empirical evidence to the renewed debate over the distinction and revitalization of the EdD.

Authors

• Jinyi Li, California State University - Northridge

• Jody E. Dunlap, California State University - Northridge

• Robert E. Kladifko, California State University - Northridge

• Philip J. Rusche, California State University - Northridge