DDPA Courses:

EDDD 8120 - Improving Organizational Systems

(5 credits)

This course delves into systems thinking principles and their application within educational organizations. Focusing on organizational systems, participants will develop mission, vision, and belief frameworks to guide their leadership practices. The course equips leaders with advanced knowledge and skills in improving these systems, emphasizing single, double, and triple loop learning. Participants will learn to leverage systems thinking to analyze complex educational environments, identify patterns, and implement meaningful changes to enhance organizational effectiveness. Through critical inquiry, collaborative dialogue, and practical application, students will be prepared to address organizational challenges and drive positive change in the dynamic educational landscape. Furthermore, the course emphasizes personal leadership development, focusing on enhancing emotional intelligence and exploring strategies for surfacing team mental models and fostering positive team dynamics during periods of change. 

Note: The Main Issue and ultimately the Problem of Practice that you select must be aligned to your degree specialization. For example: If you are in the Early Childhood Education specialization, the Main Issue and the Problem of Practice for your capstone must focus on that educational specialization.