Mississippi State University's College of Education today announced a major reorganization in the way it prepares future school administrators.
Beginning with the [1997] fall semester, students entering the two-year master's degree program in educational leadership "will follow a sequence of courses and clinical experiences consistent with state and national reform efforts," said Dean William H. Graves.
Because the new preparation program will be based on performance and skill-building achievements, entry cannot be guaranteed to all applicants.
"Our goal is to assure that each class of graduates is prepared to play an immediate and significant role in improving the instructional efforts of Mississippi's schools," Graves said.
Ned Lovell, head of the educational leadership department, said students enrolling in the program will be required to make "a serious investment" in time and money.
"We are seeking applicants and nominees who are willing to make a professional commitment and sacrifice toward this end," Lovell added.
In addition to stricter class requirements, students will be required to take part in a series of out-of-class experiences, including team-building and self-assessment exercises, community service activities and visits to other school districts and campuses. A year-long internship also will be mandatory.
"Each person will be carefully screened," Lovell said. "Only students strongly committed to a career in educational administration should apply."
For more information on the new graduate program, contact Lovell at (601) 325-3041.