This course examines educational assessment, broadly defined, from historical, practical, and critical perspectives and explores definitions, theories, and current issues in assessment. Through this course, students will look at assessment not only as a continual process for the teacher and administrator, but also a discrete process for measurement professionals. Students will analyze current research on and practices of classroom assessment, and will critique current educational assessment programs, policies, and issues that arise from No Child Left Behind, Race to the Top, Common Core State Standards, the achievement gap, competency-based assessment, and the assessment of teacher quality. Students will also explore alternative approaches to these policies with implications for evaluation and assessment, and generate ways to discuss with their communities the financial and human costs and benefits of these programs and policies.

For new graduate students admitted to the M.Ed. or M.A.T. program in the Department of Education. In-school experiences to develop introductory skills in observation and teaching. On-site seminars for analysis and evaluation. Assessment and advising related to teaching as a career. Prerequisite for further work toward a teacher licensure. Minimum of 7 hours a week, plus travel time, required. Prereq: permission. Special fee. Cr/F.

Seminar for master's and doctoral level students in education and related fields. Focus on the organization, structure, function, and dynamics of institutions of higher education, and the corollary roles and responsibilities of leaders in academic and student affairs. Intended for those currently in or planning to enter into leadership roles in a college or university.

Examines the school superintendency and other district level positions of leadership that comprise the administrative team, focusing on the complexity of the current role and relationships, the critical issues facing school leaders, and the skills necessary for success as an educational leader in today's climate. Students analyze contemporary issues of school governance and examine problems of practice to understand the role of school superintendent and other district level administrators from a theoretical, political, and contemporary perspective.