Education Specialist Program

The Education Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) is a degree and licensure program leading to Indiana’s P-12 district level administrator’s license. The program identifies outcomes and expectations based on current school leadership principles and practices and enables interns to engage in inquiry, research, dialogue, team learning, reflection, problem-based learning, collaboration, and standards-based assessment from a comprehensive P-12 perspective. The program is aligned to Indiana’s Rules for Educator Preparation and Accountability (REPA) for district administrators and also aligned to the national Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) Standards. Candidates will develop and demonstrate proficiency through a variety of field experience activities and performance assessments. The culminating research-based thesis and district administrator internship reflects a standards-based emphasis and will prepare candidates to pass Indiana’s district level administrator exam. The program curriculum consists of 30 foundational hours (transferred in from a master's degree) and 30 hours taken at IWU.

The Education Specialist Degree Program provides a clinical and school-based adult learning experience for aspiring school district leaders by encouraging, empowering, and equipping them as visionary servant-leaders who model Christlikeness. They must be able to facilitate a culture of optimal social, emotional, and spiritual health and well-being; continuous improvement; and successful learning for all students and adults. The Department of Educational Administration has aligned all program and course outcomes to Indiana’s REPA standards for the P-12 District Administrator License. These standards include:

• Standard 1: Human Capital Management - School district leaders use their role as human capital manager to drive improvements in building leader effectiveness and student achievement.
• Standard 2: Instructional Leadership - School district leaders are acutely focused on effective teaching and learning, possess a deep and comprehensive understanding of best instructional practices, and continuously promote activities that contribute to the academic success of all students.
• Standard 3: Personal Behavior - School district leaders model personal behavior that sets the tone for all student and adult relationships in the district.
• Standard 4: Building Relationships - School district leaders build relationships to ensure that all key stakeholders work effectively with each other to achieve transformative results.
• Standard 5: Culture of Achievement - School district leaders develop a districtwide culture of achievement aligned to the district's vision of success for every student.
• Standard 6: Organizational, Operational, and Resource Management - School district leaders leverage organizational, operational, and resource management skills to support district improvement and achieve desired educational outcomes.