University of Southern Maine

This program leads to certification in Maine as a director of special education. As a result of this program, students will be able to:

• Understand the culture of schools, leadership theories, and the impact of the leadership function.
• Assess school climate and culture and develop a positive organizational environment for adult and student learning.
• Understand the politics of decision making and how to make decisions that promote the school-wide agenda for learning.
• Fulfill the daily operations and management requirements of the principalship or directorship.
• Understand legal constraints and precedents which dictate educational policy and practice.
• Supervise and evaluate teacher performance and provide positive mechanisms for the improvement of practice.
• Understand and apply knowledge about adult learning and teacher development.

Suggested courses to begin include EDU 603, SED 682, SED 684.

Program Requirements (36 credits)
EDU 600 Research Methods and Techniques
EDU 603 Analysis of Teaching OR
EDU 617 Teaching in the Middle Level School
SED 618 Programming for Learners with Special Needs
EDU 671 Organizational Behavior
EDU 677 Seminar in School Management
EDU 678 School Law
EDU 679 Evaluation and Supervision of School Personnel
SED 682 Special Education Law: Conflict and Resolution
SED 684 Administration in Special Education
EDU 686 Internship in Special Education Administration (three semesters, nine credits)