Northern Virginia Leadership Initiative | George Mason University and Six Partnering School Divisions (Clarke, Falls Church, Frederick, Orange, Loudoun and Prince William)
Program Description
The Northern Virginia Leadership Initiative is a professional development partnership of George Mason University and six Northern Region school divisions. Thematic modules are delivered in weekend sessions for graduate credit, with an emphasis on current, relevant topics that impact student learning. The modules are delivered by regionally known experts/consultants, who provided a rigorous, in-depth experience for participants. While programs are designed and planned by the partnership as a whole, enrollment is open to any aspiring school leader or currently practicing administrator. Participants complete authentic, site-based activities in partial fulfillment of the requirements. Because participants are drawn from a wide geographical area, electronic discussion and/or group work is included as an expectation for successful completion of the modules.Virginia Standard(s) Addressed
Instruction is provided in a thematic approach, based on a needs assessment as determined by the partner school divisions. Each theme or module addresses different standards. For the 2004-05 modules, the following standards were addressed:
- Planning and Assessment (ISLLC standard 3)
- Instructional Leadership (ISLLC standard 1)
- Safety & Organizational Management for Learning (ISLLC standards 2 & 3)
- Communication & Community Relations (ISLLC standards 4)
- Professionalism (ISLLC standards 5 & 6)
Program Goals and Objectives
By the end of their participation in the respective modules, participants will have demonstrated skills learned through a series of authentic learning experiences. Each participant will have learned and practiced new skills that will enable them to better meet the leadership challenges in today's schools.Program Format
NVLI instruction is provided by recognized experts in each of the topic modules. Instructional methodologies include lecture, small and large group work, question-answer, participant presentations, electronic discussions, electronic group work, and a variety of inquiry-based approaches.Target Audience
Each module will specifically note a primary and secondary target audience (either aspiring leaders or current school leaders).Self-Selection and/or Identification Through School Division
Yes (with approval by advisor, if student is in a formal program of study)/maybe. The program is designed for individuals who are identified and selected by participating school divisions. Other individuals (non-participating school divisions) may also enroll on a first-come, first-selected basis.Duration of Program
Each module involves a minimum of twenty contact hours with the instructor and is taught on selected weekends over a six-week period (1.5 graduate credits are earned upon successful completion of module).Outcomes Measured
Are specific to the themes addressed by each module.Program Evaluation
Modules are electronically evaluated by participants upon completion. Module evaluations are reviewed by the consortium steering committee to assist in determining program revisions, as well as to help in planning future modules.Contact Information
Marilyn Deppe
Office of Education Services
GMU
703-993-2087
mdeppe@gmu.edu
or
Jim Upperman
Associate Professor in EDLE
GMU
703-993-2033
jupperma@gmu.edu