Prepare current and aspiring leaders in schools and community-based organizations to leverage dramatic organizational change. Participants develop a sophisticated appreciation of how policies shape the cultural norms and day-to-day practices at both a micro level (e.g., within institutions) and a macro level (e.g., within a school district, a city, or a state). The goal of the program is to help leaders develop their repertoire of skills to use policy levers to creatively and effectively advance organizational goals.
The Certificate in Educational Policy Development will prepare students to:
Through a series of three courses, this online or hybrid program develops the next generation of educational leaders. Graduates from this program are knowledgeable about standards-based reform and technological advances and are trained to employ evidence-based practices.
Course | Course Title | Credit |
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ELHE7702 | Educational Policy in Practice This course provides an overview of educational policy, and equips students with the theories, tools, and skills to engage in policymaking as future educational leaders. We define policy broadly, considering the influence of policy at various levels, from federal and state to local districts and schools. Students will learn to use a range of tools for policy analysis, and apply different theories of policy implementation. We will also explore the differences between formal and informal policy as it plays out in the everyday practice of educational leaders and teachers; and consider the role education leaders play in interpreting and adapting policy. | 3 |
ELHE7705 | Educational Policy Analysis This course provides a foundation for engaging in analysis of educational policy by developing students' knowledge of and experience with tools, data sources, and frameworks that form the toolkit of policy analysts. The course engages with major theories and concepts that guide public policy analysis and provides opportunity to produce novel policy analysis and critique the framing, clarity, and concreteness of published policy analyses and proposed policy tools and solutions. Students will engage with current discourse and considerations in education policy throughout the course, with a particular focus on analyzing policy for equity. By the conclusion of the course, students will be able to engage in public policy analysis and communicate policy issues and analysis that draws on their professional expertise. | 3 |
Students will select one course from the options listed below.
Course | Course Title | Credit |
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ELHE7707 | Ethics and Equity in Education This course introduces students to the theory and practice of leadership for social justice at the school and district level. In particular, students will learn about leadership that is culturally and linguistically responsive; strengthens parent-community-school relationships; and formulates diversity policies to promote educational equity for students from diverse groups. | 3 |
ELHE7712 | School Leadership for Emergent Bilinguals This course strengthens the knowledge and skills of current and aspiring school leaders to ensure that culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students experience optimal opportunities to learn. Shifting demographics in the US have led to increasing enrollments of CLD students. These students come from a diversity of backgrounds and prior educational experiences, and speak a wide variety of languages, with varying English proficiency. They share a common experience as immigrants or children of immigrants. This course will help current and aspiring school and district administrators structure their schools to effectively educate CLD students. | 3 |
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.
In addition to your academic history and relevant work experience, please include any licenses currently held, any social justice-related experience, any language skills other than English, and any research experience or publications.
To be uploaded to your online Application Form.
In 1,000-1,500 words, describe your academic and professional goals, any experience relevant to this program, and your future plans, expectations, and aspirations.
All official undergraduate and graduate transcripts must be sent to our office before the application deadline. Please note the following:
Only official sealed (unopened) transcripts are acceptable. An official postsecondary transcript must be printed on official institutional paper and include at least one of the following: an institutional watermark, the registrar’s signature, or the registrar's seal.
Copies and unofficial transcripts sent directly from applicants are not acceptable, the transcript must come directly from the institution.
If you are a current student and have not completed your undergraduate and/or graduate degree, the most updated version of your transcript is acceptable.
Official electronic transcripts are accepted when sent directly to gsoe@dos5.net from the institution. When requesting electronic transcripts, you must manually type in gsoe@dos5.net to ensure it is received by our office.
Mailed transcript(s) should be sent to the following address:
Lynch Office of Graduate Admissions, Boston College
Campion Hall 135
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
gsoe@dos5.net
617-552-4214