Catholic schools are responding to the call to open their doors to students with disabilities in increasing numbers yet are in need of supports and guidance in order to effectively build more inclusive environments. This certificate program aims to build both the knowledge and experiential base of Catholic school principals and teacher leaders to develop school-wide systems, structures, and practices to support all learners. For many Catholic school leaders, professional preparation in the areas of exceptionality, special education law and procedure, and interventions/accommodations has been limited. In order to increase the knowledge base in these areas, the Certificate in Leading Inclusive Catholic Schools has been created. This program will be offered online through a cohort model.

CURRICULUM

Prerequisites

This program is open to Catholic school principals and teacher leaders.  Individuals are eligible to enroll with:

1. an Illinois Professional Educator License (with either teacher or principal endorsement) or the comparable credentials from another state, and
2. two years' leadership experience in a Catholic school.

Courses

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
ELPS 411	Special Education in the Catholic School	3
ELPS 471	MTSS for Instructional Leaders	3
CIEP 401	The Exceptional Child	3
Total Hours		9

This certificate program is a three-course program that leads to a certificate in Leading Inclusive Catholic Schools. Typically, students will take one class per semester.

Continuous Enrollments

Students in endorsement only programs are required to maintain the status of continuous enrollment during their program of studies. This means that during each semester of each academic year (excluding Summer Sessions), each student must enroll in at least one course. A formal leave of absence may be granted upon request and the approval of the School of Education’s Associate Dean of Student Academic Services.

Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations

Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supersede school policies.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate the knowledge, skills and dispositions to be highly effective Catholic school leaders;
• Promote the spiritual, academic and social-emotional growth of their students;
• Prepare future leaders to meet the complex organizational challenges of leading today’s Catholic schools;
• Ensure each candidate becomes a mission-driven, faith-based instructional leader within the Catholic School context.