Modified Program

Thank you for your interest in the Modified program in Educational Leadership/Administration. Our program has transitioned to a totally online format. This is good news for our distance learners who would like to complete a graduate degree at FSU!

The Modified Program is a non-degree-granting program for education professionals who wish to be eligible for Level I Leadership Certification in the State of Florida. This program provides participants an opportunity for "successful completion of an approved Florida preservice program in educational leadership offered by a standard institution" as designated in Florida State Board of Education Rule 6A-4.0082. The program is a partial fulfillment for certification. The structure of the program is similar to some degree programs. However, it has been modified to accomplish the sole task of Level I Educational Leadership certification eligibility, hence, the name Modified Program.

Students attend classes as a special student and must maintain a 3.0 Grade Point Average to continue in the modified program. Students intending to change from the Modified Program to a degree-seeking program need to keep in mind that no more than twelve (12) semester hours may transfer from the program.

Certification Requirements in the State of Florida

• Completion of coursework in the core curriculum of educational administration/leadership.
1. Instructional leadership
2. Managing the learning environment
3. Learning, accountability, and assessment
4. Decision making strategies
5. Technology
6. Human resource development
7. Ethical leadership
8. Vision
9. Community and stakeholder partnerships
10. Diversity
• Hold a valid, Florida, regular teaching certificate.
• Document successful completion of Beginning Teacher Program or hold a continuing or professional services contract or tenure.
• Hold a master's or higher degree awarded by a standard institution as defined by Rule 6A-4.003(1), FAC.
• Pass the Level I Certification examination in the State of Florida (Florida Educational Leadership Examination).

Admission Procedure

Please refer to the Information Page for Prospective Students for more details. You must first apply for enrollment in the program by submitting the following documents:

• A letter of intent
• A vita or resume
• Official transcripts from all previous colleges or universities attended
• Two (2) letters of recommendations from a supervisor

The modified program is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements does not assure admission to the program.

Our application for admission policy has changed from a rolling administration to a deadline application process. What that means to you is that you will now need to have your application submitted to the department by the following dates:

• Spring semester- application process must be completed by November 1
• Summer semester- application process must be completed by March 1
• Fall semester- application process must be completed by May 1

Required Courses

The following nine courses (27 hours) comprise the modified program. They are aligned with the Florida Leadership Standards and consistent with the requirements of the Florida Educational Leadership Examination.

• Educational Leadership
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Human and Fiscal Resources
• Applied Data Analysis
• Technology and Communication in Education
• The Principalship
• Instructional Leadership
• Practicum in Educational Leadership (3 one hours courses)

Course Transfer Credit and Exemptions

In the event a student should desire to fulfill course requirements by other means, there are two options: (1) substitute a required course with credit for the same course taken at another institution; or (2) exempt from a required course with experience(s) that satisfied course requirements.

In both situations the documentation process is the same: (1) upon informing the Program of Educational Leadership/Administration of the intent to forego coursework, the student will receive a syllabus for the relevant course(s); (2) the student will assemble evidence to demonstrate the requirements for the course(s) have been fulfilled. The student understands, at all times, the burden of proof rests with the student; (3) the Course Transfer Credit/Exemption Request Form must be completed by the student and attached to the evidence being submitted. A separate form must be completed for each course the student is attempting to forego. A copy of the form is available in the Educational Leadership Department from the Modified Program Coordinator; (4) the student submits the form of evidence to his or her assigned advisor. The advisor will forward the submitted materials to the professor of the appropriate course for approval or rejection; (5) the applicable professor reviews the materials and approves or denies the request.

The final decision for substitutions and/or exemptions is based on an "all or none" policy. All course requirements must be met to the professor's satisfaction to receive an approval decision. The student is responsible for fulfilling all requirements or presenting evidence of having done so. All Modified Program course offerings meet minimum state requirements. However, the scope of the courses exceeds these requirements. Therefore, state requirements should be used as a measurement for program standards.

Completing the Modified Program

Once admitted to the modified program, the student will be assigned an advisor. The advisor will work with the student to schedule classes and work toward completing the Program of Study. When a Program of Study is approved and all courses completed, the student requests that a letter be sent to the Department of Education affirming that the student completed the required courses. FELE results should be faxed to the program coordinator so that they may be submitted at the same time as the completion letter.