Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (California Option)
Online or In-Person
Flexible options
Finish in 10 months
Average completion time
Next start date
Every Month
Year-round enrollment
Next Start Date
Every Month
Program Overview
Degree:
Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (California Option)
Application:
$0 application fee. No essays/exams.
Gain the specialized skills you need to advance in school administrative services by earning a Preliminary Administrative Service Credential (California Option). This program is designed for professionals who are committed to improving education and want to get to the next level in public school administration. Throughout the program, you’ll analyze the process for creating, stewarding, and communicating a shared vision that includes school-wide goals for improving teaching and learning. You’ll also explore ways that schools can engage communities to promote their shared vision.
Degree Requirements
To receive a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (California Option), students must complete at least 40.5 quarter units (the equivalent of 10 1-month courses) of graduate work.
National University awards credit in quarter units, with each academic year divided into four 12-week quarters.
Each quarter is made up of three 4-week classes, with one class per month. Under the current policy, 4.5 units of credit are awarded for courses.
PRogram Requirements
8 Courses
Visionary Leadership
4.5 Quarter Units
An examination of the importance of a shared vision to shape the culture and improve the climate of a school that serves a diverse population of students. Ethics and philosophy of leadership are used as lenses through which to better understand the interplay of the school’s internal and external stakeholders as it pertains creating and managing the vision.
School Improvement Leadership
4.5 Quarter Units
School Improvement Leadership Identification and analysis of human, fiscal and material resources available and how these resources might be aligned to improve student achievement. Development of a collaborative, data-based school plan that addresses the needs of all learners. Analysis of an instructional leader’s role in using strategies that address culturally responsive teaching, social and mental health needs and improved student learning for all students, including English learners and students with special needs.
Instructional Leadership
4.5 Quarter Units
An instructional leader’s perspective on instructional theory, curriculum development, and assessment. Analysis of student academic content and curriculum standards, research-based instructional and assessment practices. Application of data to inform continuous school improvement. Evaluate and support professional development framed around collaboration and the principles of adult learning.
Instructional Leadership
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: EDA 653; EDA 655
This course provides a theoretical and practical framework for effective instructional leadership in the area of supervision and evaluation of instruction. It will examine the role of the instructional leader in the context of stewardship of all resources to promote effective instructional leadership practices. Methodologies are presented for engaging in the practice of supervision of instruction, pedagogical assessment, program quality, and standards-based instruction. The instructional leader will be encouraged to emphasize maintaining and increasing teaching effectiveness through providing research based and relevant professional development opportunities.
One of the following:
Applications in Leadership
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: EDA 654
Supervised application of theoretical concepts in practical settings. Candidates complete a portfolio of administrative activities demonstrating competency as entry level administrators in areas identified in the California Performance Expectations as sanctioned by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for awarding of the preliminary administrative services credential. A triad consisting of the University Supervisor, the Site Mentor/Administrator, and the candidate, develops a plan at the onset of the class. The plan stresses day-to day administrative functions as well as policy analysis and implementation. Grading is S/U/IP only.
Master Guided Study
4.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: EDA 654 with a minimum grade of B. Meets min requirement for degree
Master’s degree guided study under direction of instructor. Requires prior approval of appropriate academic department. This course is intended for candidates seeking the Master degree in Educational Administration only, and not seeking the preliminary administrative services credential. Candidates will apply content learned, from program courses, and develop appropriate fieldwork activities to further develop their leadership skills. By completing the field activities, candidates will demonstrate mastery of the Course Learning Outcomes, which are aligned to the Program Learning Outcomes.
Professional Growth Leadership
4.5 Quarter Units
This course examines the theories, principles, and concepts related to leadership, administration, and management as well as student learning assessment models. Focus is directed toward understanding how to apply the leadership theories and assessment models in education settings involving faculty, staff, students, parents and the community. Emphasis is placed on professional and personal development and modeling of professional growth activities to faculty and staff in educational environments.
Org/Systems Leadership
4.5 Quarter Units
This course provides candidates an introduction to public school budget and finance practices, emphasizing site level finance. This course provides an exploration of federal, state and local laws, policies, and regulations regarding revenue sources, district and school budgeting, and financial management procedures. Candidates will be provided an introduction to public school budgeting and accounting procedures as well as investigate current issues in public school finance. Candidates will understand organizational and systems leadership as well as techniques and skills to address conflict-management, problem-solving, and dealing with unintended consequences of decisions. Candidates will learn the importance of using the school vision/mission and annual goals, based on student performance and other school-wide data, for setting budget priorities so resources allocated in appropriate and focused areas of the school need. Candidates will learn to understand the importance of school administrators practicing ethical behaviors related to decisions they make.
Community Leadership
4.5 Quarter Units
This is an introductory course in educational law and ethics which examines education law, codes, and regulations and their school level applications. The focus is on areas of school law most likely to be used by beginning school administrators. Students are expected to complete all assigned readings. Because this course is part of a sequence leading toward a recommendation for the preliminary administrative services credential, it is understood that an honor system prevails and that all class work will be completed solely by the student.
Internship Option Requirements
2 Courses
EDA 602A and EDA 602B are aligned to the Internship Credential. Additional support for EDA Internship credential candidates.
EDA Internship A
2.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Candidate must provide documentation showing appointment to an educational administration position requiring the Administrative Services Internship credential.
There is a need to further support Educational Administrator Interns while they are working on completing their preliminary administrative services credential program. This course is designed to support administrator internship candidates by providing an instructor/coach for support with developing communication avenues and for providing daily practical experience support over and beyond the preliminary administrative services credential program courses. Grading is S or U only.
EDA Internship B
2.5 Quarter Units
Prerequisite: Candidate must provide documentation showing appointment to an educational administration position requiring the Administrative Internship credential.; EDA 602A with a minimum grade of S. Students need to be successful in EDA 602A before moving into EDA 602B.
There is a need to further support Educational Administrator Interns while they are working on completing their preliminary administrative services credential program. This course is designed to support administrator internship candidates by providing an instructor/coach for support with developing communication avenues and for providing daily practical experience support over and beyond the preliminary administrative services credential program courses. This course, EDA 602B, is a continuation of EDA 602A. Grading is S or U only.
Credential Admissions Requirements
You will be required to submit the Initial Requirements e-form providing evidence/ proof of the following prior to enrollment into courses:
- Completed Verification of Employment
- Possess a valid Teaching or Services Credential (preliminary, clear, lifetime.) Preliminary credential is accepted for admittance but must be Clear for recommendation
- Negative Tuberculosis (TB) Results-Valid within four years Or Tuberculosis Risk Assessment with Certificate of Completion- Valid within four years
Credential Recommendation Requirements
- Possess a CA Clear, Life Teaching or Services Credential with a minimum of one year remaining on the document.
- All Credential Coursework completed with a 3.0 GPA (D, F, and U grades are not accepted)
- Verification of 5 years of teaching and/or services experience in the prerequisite credential held
- Verification of Employment Form (CL-777)
- Passage of CalAPA Cycles 1, Cycle 2, and Cycle 3
Your credential recommendation request will be reviewed by National University Credential Technicians who process the application, confirm credential eligibility, and submit a recommendation to the state. You will receive an email notification to go online and pay for the credential. After payment is confirmed, you will receive email confirmation from the CTC that your document has been granted. You can look up your credential document on the CTC website at: www.ctc.ca.gov
Program Learning Outcomes
Learn the key skills to help you excel in your field of study.
- Examine the role of the instructional leader in the context of the stewardship of effective instructional practices.
- Examine the role of the instructional leader in the context of curriculum development, implementation, and assessment.
- Analyze the collaborative, ongoing processes of data-based school growth plans.
- Critique systems for the provision of professional growth opportunities for school teachers, staff, and administrators.
- Examine the complex interaction of all of a school’s systems to promote teaching and learning.
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Year-round enrollment
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