6 semester credits

Instructional leaders must have the ability to diagnose by reviewing data and practices, set a vision for where they want to go, prioritize the work by utilizing relevant data, identify measurable goals, develop an action plan, and then monitor their results. Education professionals in this course examine this inextricable link between instruction and assessment. They engage in a diagnostic process designed to meet diverse student and systemic needs. They also examine the role of formative and summative assessments in making decisions, the various forms and purposes of assessment, and how the ongoing use of assessment data can move curriculum and instruction beyond mediocrity to support rigorous learning for all students. Additionally, they explore qualitative research methods appropriate to understanding institutions, programs, and stakeholder interests.