Syllabus

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.)

EDU 813 The Politics of Change – Fall A 2015

Credits - 3

Description

This course builds on the foundation put in place during EDU 812. Having developed more complete literature reviews, conceptual frameworks, and crafted problem statements, the focus turns to purpose of the study, research questions, and methodology. Conducting inquiry, that is, asking significant questions, pursuing deeper understanding, and fully engaging stakeholders in the examination of a shared concern is a political process. Through systematic reflection and dialogue, transformative leaders consider changes conducting research will prompt in themselves, their organizations, and their communities as they implement formal research activities.

Materials

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Course Objectives

The course continues the work of EDU 812, as cohort members formalize their research proposals. Students will be supported throughout the proposal development process, as they examine relevant literature, refine the problem, purpose, and questions for their studies, and consider the implications for study participants and other stakeholders.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Follow dissertation guidelines to produce a complete Chapter One, Introduction
2. Describe the potential of your methodology to address equity and access of stakeholders to resources and opportunities.
3. Complete IRB CITI course and demonstrate application of ethical decision-making within the research process by drafting the IRB application.
4. Develop sufficient detail for methods section to successfully complete the UNE IRB application.
5. Evaluate an emergent 3 chapter dissertation proposal contents against applied research standards and program guidelines.
6. Prepare a research proposal that meets applied research criteria.

Assignments

EDU 813 marks a turning point in your development as a researcher. You are moving from a deeper dive into the literature to learn about what others have done before you to conducting your own scholarly study.

We move from one week modules to two week modules, and focus entirely on the process of completing a dissertation proposal, or the first three chapters of your dissertation.

The main deliverables are due at the end of week four (Chapter One) and the mid-point of week eight (first three chapters). You will be asked to provide feedback to a research team peer during week three and during week seven.

Grading Policy

Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:

Grade Breakdown

Assignment	Percent of Grade
Chapter 1	30
Chapter 3	30
Peer Reviews	20 (10 each)
Proposal Presentation Slides	10
Timeline	10

The criteria for all courses in the Ed. D. program are described in the modules and/or rubrics. Assignments will include guidelines with rubrics, descriptions of expectations, or examples, and include point values. Coursework will be assessed and graded using individual evaluation protocols that are provided for the three major assignments. Final “grades” will reflect the following schema:

• High Pass (HP): Work that exceeds all or most of the criteria of the respective assignment. To receive a high pass the work must demonstrate exceptional command and display of all or most required elements;
• Pass (P): Work that meets all requirements and expectations as specified in assignments, and is fully satisfactory in every respect;
• Low Pass (LP): Work is deemed unsatisfactory.

Grade Scale: 95 = HP; 80-94 = P; 70-79 = LP.

Note** The instructor will determine if an assignment may be revised and resubmitted for rescoring. Candidates may proceed to subsequent courses in the curriculum with one LP grade, and although there is no failing grade, a second LP course grade results in termination from the doctoral program.

All assignments are to be completed in a timely manner with appropriate accuracy, detail, thought and reflection fitting of doctoral-level degree candidates. All assignments (done in writing or with other media applications) are graded on the basis of faculty assessment of your ability to accurately apply concepts from readings, organization, and mechanics. See the appendices for grading rubrics. Please note that you must save all submitted documents in Microsoft Word in order for them to transmit successfully. All work must be properly identified and include author(s)’ name(s). Submit all written work in APA style (Refer to the APA Publication Manual for guidance; Purdue OWL is an excellent, user-friendly resource).