Summer 2014

Leaders of school communities and agencies must be, able to work effectively with individuals and, groups representing diverse cultures and, backgrounds; these skills are at the core of, leading and serving all members of the community., This retreat will provide an opportunity to, explore and learn about issues of diversity in a, mutually supportive environment led by trained, diversity facilitator(s). The retreat builds, experientially on the academic emphasis on social, justice and equity threaded through the doctoral, program curriculum and leads to a practical, application component during the ensuing academic, year.

Overview and application of qualitative research, methods. Through course readings, discussion, and, practical application, candidates explore: (1), different approaches in qualitative research and, epistemologies and common theoretical perspectives, that undergird qualitative inquiry, and (2), various methods and techniques for gathering,, interpreting, and making meaning of in-depth and, rich information about things as they occur in, their natural settings. Candidates gain the skills, necessary to review and critique qualitative, research and to design and undertake their own, qualitative research.

Offers leaders help developing strategies to lead, their schools in the development of cultural, proficiency. Explores how policies and practices, can enable staff, students, and families to, interact effectively in a culturally diverse, environment. Discussion of how a lack of cultural, competence impedes teaching and learning in many, of today's schools. Participants will learn how to, analyze their values, beliefs, and behavior in, this context and will reflect on their own, cultural competence.