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Independent Schools: Leadership, Opportunities, Challenges
EDU A310R

Course Information

Description

*Lottery-Based Enrollment* Independent schools teach fewer than 10% of America’s children, yet their role can be significant, and opportunities for students, teachers and administrators who want to make an impact on the world can be profound. This module provides an introduction to different dimensions of working in and leading an independent school. The course will explore the importance of mission, vision, and the evolving ways in which independent schools are addressing issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice. Using numerous case studies, discussions will focus on leadership challenges: from admissions and financial aid policies to hiring faculty, from building a budget to handling disciplinary cases -- and through all of this the ethical, legal and pastoral dimensions of headship. Recognizing that all schools today face profound questions of both what and how to teach, the course will also explore questions of curriculum and pedagogy. Between readings, cases, and spirited discussion, students will better understand the nature of independent schools, their evolving mission, the great opportunities they provide for both students and faculty, and the particular challenges of independent school leadership. 
 

School Graduate School of Education
Credits 2
Cross Reg

Available for Harvard Cross Registration

Department Education
Course Component Regular Course
Instruction Mode In Person
Subject Education
Grading Basis HGSE Student Option (Letter Graded, Sat/Unsat)
Learning Goals This deep dive into the nature of independent schools provides a range of learning opportunities: from exploring mission to financial operations to working with faculty to considering DEIB goals to admissions and financial aid as integral in the life of a school. Using case studies enhances students' chances to engage and make one's own decisions about key directions one might choose in working in or leading such a school.
Career Focus <p>For those who have worked or studied in independent schools, a chance to dive deeper to understand how such schools have operated in the past -- but also how they work, or can work, today.&nbsp; Those without experience in such schools are especially welcome, for many of the best practices in independent schools can inform and indeed help all schools to do their best work.&nbsp; Charter schools hold particular relevance in this regard.&nbsp; So too can this course appeal to those thinking about creating, or recreating, their own schools, whether in the US or internationally.</p>