Research Courses in Education Leadership Programs: Relevance in an Era of Accountability

Date
2011-05
Authors
Bustamante, Rebecca M.
Combs, Julie P.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Education Policy & Leadership
Abstract

Master’s degree research course offerings of 72 university education leadership programs were examined to explore how relevant the courses were to the inquiry needs of practicing school leaders. Research course titles and descriptions were analyzed using content analysis. Findings revealed considerable variation in research course requirements, course titles, and course descriptions. Analysis of course descriptions indicated minimal emphasis on the research skills required for school improvement. Results also suggested a lack of consensus on the importance of developing research skills for school leaders across university education leadership programs. Implications for education leadership preparation programs are discussed with an emphasis on the need for further studies on the research skills required by practicing school leaders.

Description
Article originally published in International Journal of Education Policy & Leadership in 2011.
Keywords
Education leadership programs, Research courses, school improvement
Citation
Bustamante, R.M, Combs, Julie P. (2011). Research Courses in Education Leadership Programs: Relevance in an Era of Accountability. International Journal of Education Policy & Leadership, 6(3). https://journals.sfu.ca/ijepl/index.php/ijepl/issue/view/54