The School Superintendent's Certification Program emphasizes knowledge and skills appropriate to district-level administration in the K-12 setting such as superintendent, assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent, directors and other similar roles. Students completing the superintendent program should be able to:

• Identify student needs.
• Prescribe an appropriate instructional program.
• Create the political capital and collaboration needed to improve student learning.

Successful completion of this program will qualify an individual for the Washington Initial School Superintendent's Certificate.

The program consists of a sequence of six 3-credit courses offered over a two-year period, and an internship consisting of at least 360 hours of field experience. Classes meet three times per quarter in a Friday afternoon and Saturday morning format. Readings and case studies are assigned in advance to maximize the amount of time for discussion, dialogue and reflection. This program has three key components:

• Team Building. Participants go through the six-course sequence as a cohort. Monthly meetings with these same individuals also provide opportunities for networking and team building.
• Weekend Coursework. Classes meet three times per quarter, Friday afternoon to Saturday afternoon. Monthly sessions include (1) review of in-district internship work; (2) discussion of case studies; and (3) best-practice presentations by current practitioners. Participants are involved in selecting topics and planning the activities.
• Internship. The internship takes place over the same two-year period as the coursework. The goal is to develop the experience and skill to increase student learning through district level leadership. The focus of the internship is a districtwide project that improve the district while addressing the internship portfolio criteria. Job shadowing, teamwork and reflection are part of the internship process.

Each candidate for the School Superintendent's Certification Program should have completed the following: (1) a program for teacher certification, (2) three years of experience as a school administrator and (3) a master's, doctoral or other advanced degree. Exceptions to the above requirements should be approved through the program chair, Richard Smith, before application materials are submitted.

ADMISSION AND EVALUATION
Approximately 15 applicants are admitted each year. Candidates are admitted as application materials are completed and reviewed. Candidates may begin the program during any quarter.To facilitate timely evaluation, applicants should send the necessary items a quarter before planning to enroll.

The following materials are to be submitted for admission into the program:

1. A graduate application with the application processing fee.
2. Official transcripts from all institutions where a degree was conferred or where post-master's graduate coursework was completed.
3. A copy of the most recently earned professional certificate.
4. Two letters of recommendation. One of these letters must be from the superintendent of your district. This letter should indicate that the district will work with you to make an internship experience possible. These letters should provide a current assessment of personal/professional qualifications, and should come from present principals, supervisors, former professors, pastors or colleagues. Recommendations must remain sealed in their original envelopes.
5. A personal statement. You are required to submit a personal statement detailing your academic and professional goals. Include your purpose in seeking admission into the Executive Leadership Program. The personal statement should not exceed two pages in length.

Once all items have been received, the evaluation will be based on University standards for graduate admission. Individuals are notified by letter. Please call the graduate program manager at 206.281.2378 if you have questions about this process.

(International students are not generally admitted to the superintendent preparation program. International students who would like more information on admission requirements should call the chair of the program at 206.281.2375.)

For information regarding admissions materials and steps, please contact the Graduate Center.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
One course will be offered each quarter. Participants who take one course every quarter, plus the internship, will finish in two years. Participants may take longer, but taking one course each quarter is highly recommended.

Courses (24 credits)
EDAD 7580 Professional Growth Planning (3)
EDAD 7581 Systems Leadership (3)
EDAD 7584 Resource Management (3)
EDAD 7586 Interpersonal Relations (3)
EDAD 7588 Improving Student Learning (3)
EDAD 7589 Policy, Governance and Ethics (3)
EDAD 7890 Field Experience (1 per quarter, for a total of 6 credits over 2 years)

The Superintendent Program is a self-contained program leading to state certification. It can also be an integral part of a doctor of education degree. Coursework from the Superintendent Program meets the elective requirements of the doctoral program.