Students in Instructional Leadership may participate in programs leading to a master’s degree (M.Ed.) with initial certification (Class A), a specialist degree (Ed.S.) and advanced certification (Class AA), or a reduced hour option for certification (Class A).
The following are the admission requirements for the M.Ed.
- Passing score on either the GRE (290) or MAT (388). The test must have been taken within 5 years of the date of application for graduate study.
- Valid Alabama Class B or Class A certificate in a teaching field or instructional support area.
- Three years successful teaching experience.
- A minimum grade point average of at least 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) on all undergraduate work attempted or 2.75 on the last 60 hours of undergraduate work attempted.
- Passing score on an admission portfolio. The portfolio will contain the following:
a. Three (3) letters of recommendation, to include the applicant’s principal or supervisor. Each local superintendent will establish requirements for recommendations from the principal and/or supervisor.
b. Completed copy (all forms) of the most-recent performance appraisal, to include the professional development component, if available.
c. Evidence of ability to improve student achievement
d. Evidence of leadership and management potential, including evidence of most-recent accomplishments in the area of instructional leadership.
e. Summary of the candidate’s reasons for pursuing instructional leadership certification.
f. Summary of what the candidate expects from the preparation program.
6. Passing score on an interview conducted by a program admission committee that includes both P-12 instructional leaders and higher-education faculty.
7. Evidence of a clear criminal background check.
A reduced-hour option (18 hours) is available in Instructional Leadership. Those individuals who already hold a master’s degree (and a valid Alabama Class A certification in a teaching field or instructional support area) and meet the admission criteria previously listed are eligible to pursue this option for Class A certification in instructional leadership.
Retention/Completion Requirements
Students must have maintained a minimum institutional GPA of 3.25 (4.0 scale) on all coursework. In addition, students must make a satisfactory score on a comprehensive examination. This requirement applies to students completing the master’s degree or the reduced hour option. Students must pass the content Praxis II in order to be recommended for Class A Certification in Instructional Leadership.