Connecting Ed.D. Programs to the Field
Gabriella Mafi
(Former USC Ed.D. Graduate, Current Clinical Faculty Member)
- She believes that the connection between the field and the university is essential.
- The relationship between the two is symbiotic - Recruiting future administrators for the university and recruiting recent graduate for district administration positions.
- Transforming a school culture means constantly reminding individuals to put concepts in the perspective of, "If this were my child, would it be good enough?"
- Lessons Learned:
- Universities need to be receptive to the communities they serve
- Part-time programs allow administrators to work and bring the field and the university closer together.
- University admission guidelines need to seek and find instructional leaders. They need to move beyond merely using test scores as a criterion.
- Courses should be co-designed by clinical and tenure faculty, which should be informed by the field.
- Inquiry should be taught in context.
- Thematic dissertations provide a support structure and set students up for success.
- The Challenge for Institutions Developing Programs - A quality program needs to:
- Attract strong candidates
- Develop their skills, especially regarding what best practice looks like (Biggest challenge)
- Develop the leader as a whole
- Develop interpersonal skills
- Systems - thinking - strategizing (Having the tools to address the problems that arise)
- "Provide support and inspire them to be exceptional leaders who revitalize public education."
- Have access to current trends and best practice through the connection to the university.