School Improvement – Thinking Outside the Box

Course Available
3 Units
Online Self-Paced

Course Description

Empowering School leaders to Craft Bold Strategies for School Improvements

School Improvement – Thinking Outside the Box is an innovative, self-paced course designed for emerging school leaders transitioning from classroom teaching to roles that shape professional learning across their schools or districts. It is also valuable for current school leaders seeking a fresh perspective and new strategies to drive meaningful improvement in their organizations. Based on principles of adult learning, this course challenges participants to move beyond traditional training models by exploring reflective questions that guide the design and development of impactful, learner-centered professional development. Through a combination of journal reflections and action plan assignments in each module, participants will examine their leadership context, rethink how educators learn best, and generate bold, practical strategies for school improvement that go beyond conventional boundaries.

Course Details

Number of Units: 3.0 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours.

Who Should Attend: Teacher leaders, such as teachers in a department chair role, school improvement role, or anyone who is responsible for level training within a school. Also school leaders such as principals, assistant/vice principals or aspiring school leaders, district leaders and anyone with a role in curriculum leadership, superintendent, school or district improvement. 

Course Materials: Text, Improving Schools: Simple Approaches and Understandings to Realize Growth by Kevin Popadines, available at Barnes & Noble, Bloomsbury or at Amazon.com.

Technical Requirements

This 3-unit online self-paced course is designed for emerging school leaders transitioning from classroom teaching to roles that shape professional learning across their schools or districts.

Course Options

Course Date Units Price
EDU-X786T – 001 Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 3 $504

School Improvement – Thinking Outside the Box

Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
3
$504
Online Self-Paced
Kevin Popadines

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

What You Will Learn

  • Apply adult learning theory to design meaningful and effective professional development for educators
  • Analyze self-reflection and needs assessment to guide leadership development and support continuous school improvement
  • Support systemic frameworks like Human Resources to enhance or challenge the application of adult learning in school leadership
  • Use untapped local resources or partnerships that can identify, enrich and leverage professional learning and support your school community
  • Critically evaluate and strategically implement online learning for adult learners in a way that complements in-person experiences
  • Take actions to foster a healthy, supportive climate for adult educators that promotes retention, well-being, and growth
  • Integrate your learning from this course into a practical, visionary plan for improving the professional culture and instructional practices at your school or district

Instructors

Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Why USD?

The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.

Informative Stats and Facts

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Learning Method Information

Courses offer a convenient, yet rigorous style of learning that allows you to structure your education to suit your schedule while keeping you on pace toward achieving your educational.

Online Self-Paced

Our online self-paced courses are designed to provide flexibility and autonomy for learners. Unlike traditional classroom methods, which require attendance at scheduled times, self-paced courses allow you to progress through the material at your own speed within a six-month period from the time of enrollment.  Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your assignments and exams. Grades are based on completed projects, assignments and exams.

Key differences from traditional classroom methods:

  • No scheduled class times or required attendance.
  • No assigned due dates for assignments; you set your own schedule.
  • Asynchronous learning, meaning you can work on assignments anytime.
  • No discussion forums and no interaction with others enrolled in the course.
  • No scheduled class times or required attendance.

Structure of Online Self-Paced Courses:

The content is divided into learning modules, each covering one or more topics. Within each module, you can expect the following components:

  • Module Introduction: Outlines what you can expect to learn in the module.
  • Required Readings and Presentations: Includes textbooks, articles, journals, websites, and audio/video presentations.
  • Assignments: May include written assignments, quizzes, blogs, and other activities based on the readings and presentations.
  • Module Conclusion: Reviews the topics covered and what you should have learned.

Typically, there is a final project, paper, or exam due in the last module that synthesizes all the topics covered throughout the course. The design of the learning modules follows a consistent rhythm to help you manage your time effectively. Grades will be available within two weeks of final submission, transcripts will be automatically mailed out following grades being posted and approved. Please allow 3-4 weeks from when final grades are posted to receive a transcript.

Key Benefits of Educator Courses

A World of Choices

With hundreds of courses across a range of education-related topics, there’s a strong chance we have the ideal class for you!

Small Class Sizes

Small class sizes with real-world educators are an important part of the USD experience.

Work-Life Balance

Our educator courses offer flexible course formats and class times to help you balance your work, USD studies, and family life.