Based upon a background of positive psychology (Seligman), and strengths psychology (Clifton) strength-based leadership emphasizes the development of employee strengths, rather than the remediation of individual weaknesses as a way of doing business. Using the framework of strength-based leadership, students will learn how to apply leadership theory in a way which promotes a culture of commitment, rather than simply compliance. Students will study their own strengths and how to build an educational community around the strengths of each employee to move their schools to greater academic achievement. Florida Leadership Standards will be addressed via a crosswalk of the strength-based approach to traditional leadership practice.
- Teacher: Angie Franklin
A survey of information regarding children with special needs including possible causes and characteristics of exceptionalities, educational intervention, available resources, referral processes, and the advocacy role and legislative issues. Regularly scheduled observations of children are required. This course considers children with special needs from a critical perspective, drawing on element of disciplines such as disability studies and social justice. We will approach special needs and disability as an interaction between individual factors (such as the nature and severity of impairment, personal strengths and abilities), and structural factors (such as attitudes of others, abling or disabling environments).
- Teacher: Heather White
Students will study generic and their institution’s test, attendance, and graduation data to discuss and describe possible paths to improvement. This course is designed to move leaders from “I think” solutions to “the data suggest” solutions. Students will practice “real world” decision-making to meet the standard: “High Performing Leaders plan effectively, use critical thinking and problem solving techniques, and collect and analyze data for continuous school improvement.” Students will personalize their study to meet the needs of their charter, public and traditional private Montessori schools.
- Teacher: Justin Tosco
How did language come to be? Are we shaped by our words, or do we shape words to fit our understanding of the world? Beginning by looking at what defines “language,” this course introduces the study of human language, explores the history and development of human language, language families, and language relationships. We will look at how language changes over time as well as other key topics in the field.
- Teacher: Monica Johnson
This course will allow participants to integrate foundational principles and strategies for leadership in the school that transcend classroom teaching. This will build on all of the learning that has been achieved throughout the master’s program. Specific areas to be addressed include application of leadership skills specific for a lead teacher, level lead, committee head, curriculum coordinator, board member, having a student teacher or practicum student, leading parent meetings and education sessions, and leading regular materials practice sessions or other peer coaching and instruction. The students will also learn to enlist parent support for their leadership management efforts. A framework for fostering cooperation, social skills, and a sense of community is generated, and guidelines for peace education are included.
- Teacher: Ranna Raval
This required core orientation for new doctoral students is a prerequisite that must be taken before or concurrently with other first-term courses. This course offers basic information on doctoral studies at Sarasota University, including an overview of the doctoral program and each doctoral-level course; guidelines on research expectations and academic honesty; APA style; utilizing technology and distance learning opportunities; and the dissertation process. Time will be devoted to review essential Montessori history, philosophy, and practice, and the course will also cover practical topics like studying, personal goal-setting, and communication with other students and mentors. Finally, issues of university life, including school policies on civil rights, discrimination, harassment, drugs and alcohol, and behavioral expectations of everyone in the Sarasota University community, will be addressed.
- Teacher: Heather Gerker
Taken in the final term before beginning the dissertation, this is a required core capstone writing and research course for the doctoral student that focuses on developing and writing the problem statement and research questions for the dissertation; reviewing literature, and designing dissertation project research. Additional guidance toward dissertation writing will be covered, including APA style.
- Teacher: Adam Darlage
This course will support the development and implementation of self-directed practicum-related learning experiences for adult learners. An emphasis on the following will be central to the course content:
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Examining Adult Learning: Theory to Practice
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Supporting Teacher Preparation/Transformation Strategies
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Forming a Personal Educational Philosophy
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Developing Teacher Education Course Techniques
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Refining Presentation Skills
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Designing Appropriate Evaluative and Assessment Tools for Adult Learners
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Contrasting and Comparing Teacher Education Programs
This heavily self-guided, self-disciplined experience will be supported by regularly scheduled meetings in which students will raise clear, vital questions and problems; meticulously gather and assess relevant information; and clearly formulate well-reasoned conclusions and solutions.
- Teacher: Elaine Blasi
This course provides an introduction to research methods and exposition. Students will acquire fundamental skills in developing and conducting research through the creation of an effective research question, how to write a review of the literature, and develop an understanding of the principles of quantitative and qualitative research methods. In addition, students will gain an understanding of principles of data analysis, interpretation, and presentation of results.
- Teacher: Julie Small