The goal of master's level programs of study for entry level practitioners is that graduates will desire and be able to guide their organizations to aspire to and achieve the highest possible levels of achievement in faculty development and performance; pupil academic, social and emotional development; and school-community relations. Courses, seminars, and clinical experiences prepare the beginning administrator by developing conceptual, human, and technical skills as they gain knowledge and develop attitudes appropriate to the administrative role and educational level of entry.

The goal of post-masters' programs is to broaden student knowledge and vision to provide an increased sense of purpose and responsibility. Common courses and seminars engage students in complex ways of understanding phenomena and stimulate re-examination of beliefs and practices in the context of social, political, legal, and economic forces. Individuals are prepared for new roles and responsibilities to strengthen their developing conceptions of and ability to perform administrative leadership in current roles.

The orientation of both sets of programs is that the practice of educational administration is inextricably related to the educational programs and processes in schools. Research and other forms of scholarship in education, administration and related areas are useful to the extent they inform, guide, and develop structures, processes, and practices that improve educational practice.

Overview of the Educational Leadership Program

The organizational and instructional elements are as follows:

• Courses or Modules Taught in Cohort Groups of Students
• Instruction Grounded in Leadership Theory and Practice
• Requirements and Outcomes Based on the Iowa Standards (ISSL) integrated with the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) Standards
• Instructional Delivery Grounded in Reflective Practice, Adult Learning Theory, and Experiential/Problem-Based Activities
• Reflective Research and Internship Integrated Throughout the Program
• Program Offered State-Wide Via the Iowa Communication Network (ICN) Over Three (3) Academic Years and Two (2) Intervening Summers. Students enrolled in the UEN Leadership Academy pursue an accelerated program of two (2) academic years and one (1) summer program.
• Campus-Based Faculty Team-Teach with "Field Professors" in Classroom and Clinical Settings, with "Site Mentors" Supervising Integrated Internship Experiences