Learning Outcomes
The program will prepare executive leaders who demonstrate the following:
- Ability to apply and synthesize the essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions required for effective leadership and management in various organizational settings.
- Capability to conduct research and collect, analyze, and interpret data to inform decision-making and improve performance.
- Facility to think and plan strategically and conduct action research that is supported by best practice.
- Understanding of the impact, interactions, and implications of various public sectors on educational systems.
- Integrity to make ethical and fair decisions when facing moral dilemmas.
- Capacity to appreciate and maximize the talents and skills of a diverse workforce.
- Ability to assess and maximize human potential through a process of continuous personal, professional, and intellectual development.
Leadership Standards
Executive leadership is complex and represented in an array of knowledge, skills and dispositions as diverse as the population of successful leaders. Nonetheless, those who emerge from this program will be expected to possess in their characters and demonstrate in their actions the seminal values reflected in the standards below. The executive leadership program standards are based on and aligned with New York State (NYS) and Educational Leadership Constituents Council (ELCC) standards.
Standard One—Character
The executive leader demonstrates character, drive, competence and honesty in advancing the goals of the organization and the aspirations of colleagues. The executive leader has a strong moral compass and places the interests of the organization and co-workers before personal gain. (NYS #1; ELCC # 5)
Standard Two—Vision
The executive leader has the ability to develop a positive, humane vision of the future which is articulated and communicated to constituents. The executive leader makes a long-term investment in this vision and works collaboratively toward its accomplishment with all stakeholders. (NYS # 2 & 4; ELCC # 1)
Standard Three—Integrity
The executive leader is a person of integrity who acts ethically and fairly in all dealings with others. The executive leader creates an organizational climate of honesty and high principle which inspires principled behavior among all who serve the organization. (NYS # 1; ELCC #5)
Standard Four—Self Development
The executive leader continually examines personal strengths and weaknesses and uses knowledge of self in the service of others. The executive leader is introspective and reflective, using personal strength and courage to advance organizational goals while working to diminish personal weaknesses. (NYS # 8; ELCC # 7)
Standard Five—Support of Others
The executive leader supports, encourages and rewards others by recognizing their talents and assigning to them responsibilities commensurate with their abilities. The executive leader views others as partners who bring to the organization strength and potential for good.
(NYS # 1; ELCC # 4)
Standard Six—Development of Goals
The executive leader identifies and advances the organization’s mission and goals. The executive leader accepts change and enables others to work for and embrace change. (NYS # 1; ELCC # 2)
Standard Seven—Collaboration
The executive leader collaborates with all organizational constituencies, promoting trust and confidence. The executive leader responds to diverse community interests by partnering with the community and garnering community resources on behalf of the organization and community advancement. (NYS # 2 & 4; ELCC # 1)
Standard Eight—Research and Best Practice
The executive leader’s knowledge of professional practice is current and shaped by research and experience. The executive leader employs best practice in the performance of duties, revises practice and programs based on empirical data and fosters commitment to these principles in others. (NYS # 7 & 8; ELCC # 2 & 7)
Standard Nine—Cultural Sensitivity and Diversity
The executive leader understands, respects, and values individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and with different experiences. The executive leader possesses and promotes knowledge of diversity within the organization, community and broader society, demonstrates dispositions that respect and value differences, and exhibits skills for working in diverse organizational settings. (NYS # 6; ELCC # 6)
Standard Ten—Communication Skills and Technology
The executive leader demonstrates effective communication skills in writing and speaking as well as through the use of technology and electronic media. The executive leader communicates with all constituencies in clear, intelligible language designed to promote community involvement and support while advancing the organization’s mission and goals. (NYS # 3; ELCC # 6)
Standard Eleven—Responsibility and Accountability
The executive leader assumes and shares responsibility and accountability for achievement of organizational goals and outcomes. The executive leader clearly defines organizational roles and objectively measures employee performance in the context of the organization’s mission and goals. (NYS # 7; ELCC # 3)
Standard Twelve—Organizational Capacity and Improvement
The executive leader knows how to synthesize and apply research, knowledge and experience to inform change and increase organizational capacity. The executive leader embraces and promotes ongoing professional development, and continuous individual and organizational improvement. (NYS # 5 & 9; ELCC # 3 & 7)