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preparing principals for a changing world
leave to serve as interns for thirty days each school year and for twenty days during the second summer session, often running a summer school program that exposes them to administrative duties and gives them experience in a new setting with a targeted group of students and teachers. One candidate summarized the importance of the internship: “I just felt from the very beginning how important that real-world experience is . . .. I think having the experience almost from day one has been critical and fabulous—very enriching, realistic.” The UCAPP program is dedicated to continuous program improvement, with efforts currently focused on transforming a high-quality, traditional university-based program into one that provides expanded field experiences along with a comprehensive blend of coursework focused on developing an analytical, reflective approach to instructional leadership. In part because of this commitment to improvement, the program is characterized by deep and broad support: providing strong, formal, ongoing support to its candidates; receiving strong support from local districts and state educator associations; and earning programmatic and financial support from the School of Education and the university. The program’s stated goals seek to prepare candidates to: ❍
Experience the daily life of an educational leader
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Experience collaborative team building and develop conflict-management skills
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Develop skills in the teacher supervision/evaluation process
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Understand the growth and development of exceptional children and the school/district procedures for identifying and providing for these children
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Participate in a school’s and school district’s budgeting process
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Assist in creating the school schedule
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Understand how to analyze test data in order to recommend curriculum and instructional improvements
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Apply problem-solving processes in an educational setting
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Employ appropriate technology in data analysis, communication, instruction, and school organization
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Articulate a rationale for decision making that reflects the political, psychological, and sociological context of current issues
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Study educational policy that meets legal, moral, and ethical standards