5 credits

Today's schools are dynamic organizations that require educators to take an iterative approach to designing curriculum, instruction, and assessment—one that responds to changing and diverse student needs, stakeholder perspectives, policies, accountability requirements, emerging technologies, family and community resources, and other internal and external forces. In this course, education professionals engage in active inquiry at the systems level and address real-world scenarios and problems. Learners can gain experience and expertise in promoting best practices in education, overcoming barriers to student learning and involving family and community partners, all while meeting and complying with relevant policies, laws, ethical practices, and standards. Education professionals explore key components of a successful learning community, the role of a leader within a dynamic system, professional dispositions, current educational trends and issues, and how technologies are creating new opportunities for organizational change and improved student performance.