MTSU’s doctorate in Assessment, Learning, and Student Success became a reality after
more than 40 years of working for a program that focuses on improving K-12 teaching
and learning. This unique program is designed to meet a specific need to develop capabilities
of existing school leaders, in formal and informal leadership roles.
The program offers research-based knowledge, analytical skills, and practical application
to enhance student learning, increase assessment scores, and improve schools. This
is not a program you learn about now and do some day; in the ALSS program’s K-12 concentration
you will integrate your learning directly into your setting in a job-embedded professional
development approach.
Educators who want to make an immediate difference in the lives of K-12 students are
attracted to the program and the opportunity to participate in projects that result
in direct improvements. The cohort-based doctoral program provides a structured curriculum
that considers that most students are employed during their studies. Participants
benefit from the support and collegiality of their cohorts.
Live outside of Tennessee? You could be eligible for in-state tuition and save thousands
of dollars.
Program grads become true change agents
“The ALSI program has been transformative for me, both professionally and personally,”
says Lando Carter, a member of the first Assessment, Learning, and School Improvement
cohort, graduating in August 2016. “This program is unique because the instructors
purposefully fuse assessment, learning, and school improvement to help school leaders
of all backgrounds become true change agents, ones who seek substantive and lasting
change in their classrooms, schools, or districts.” Carter, who teaches high school
English in Rutherford County, says the cohort model creates a meaningful family atmosphere
during the three years of coursework. “Now I’m watching the program work in my classroom
and my school on a daily basis,” says Carter, who built on an ALSI project to start
a popular writing lab at Central Magnet School, modeled after MTSU’s Writing Center.
He says “the program works because I’ve been given the tools and the training to consistently
move from theory to practice. I am indebted to the expert faculty not only for building
such an innovative program but also for the guidance they provided during and after
my time as an ALSI student.”
Explore new ways to impact instruction and learning
Tracy Hollinger was in her fourth year as principal of Northeast Middle School when
she decided she could balance the time, commitment, and workload of her demanding
job and the stress of pursuing a doctorate. “I was leading others, but I was certainly
feeling the need to challenge myself and grow in my own knowledge and skills as an
instructional leader,” she recalls. When she looked at doctoral programs, she discovered
that MTSU had a new program in Assessment, Learning, and School Improvement. “Having
received my bachelor’s degree at MTSU, I knew firsthand the quality of the education
programs. The ALSI program was exactly what I was looking for—designed from current
research, focused on job-embedded application, and with a distinct focus on student
learning and school improvement.” Hollinger says the program impacted her daily work
“in profound ways,’ such as the utilization of new resources and processes for examining
progress, needs, and strengths in developing a school improvement plan. “I highly recommend this program for those interested in expanding their knowledge and skills,
examining current educational research, and exploring new ways to impact instruction
and learning in all levels and roles,” she concludes.
Related Media
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MTSU College of Graduate Studies
The Ed.D. in Assessment, Learning, and Student Success is designed to meet a specific
need to develop the capacity of existing Pre-K–12 school leaders (including teacher-leaders)
and those in education-related careers to significantly improve student academic achievement
and to meet increased accountability mandates.
Program graduates may also find work in:
- Higher education
- Research
- Educational policy
- Governmental agencies
- Not-for-profit and philanthropic organizations
- Professional development consulting, which will also contribute to improved student
and school achievement.
Because this degree program is new, employer information is still being compiled.
The College of Education began offering the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in
Assessment, Learning, and Student Success in 2013. Following are a few key points
to help answer initial questions.
- The program is a cohort-based program comprising 60 graduate credit hours.
- The program is partnering with districts to offer cohorts based out of their districts
to meet practitioners where they are and ground learning in real context.
- This doctoral program requires the physical presence of all cohort members for all
class sessions. The Ed.D. is not an online doctoral degree program.
- All applicants must have successfully completed an earned master's degree from an
accredited institution prior to admission.
- The program will admit applicants based on a competitive process including but not
limited to a professional portfolio, an onsite personal interview, and the Graduate
Record Exam (GRE).
The program will take advantage of the latest technology to enhance the learning opportunities
for all of the learners in the program. We will engage as a cohort of faculty and
learners to model the development and growth of an authentic learning community. Completion
of the degree requires successfully completing all courses as prescribed in the program
course of study, conducting original research, and successfully completing a doctoral
dissertation, among other graduation requirements.
For complete curriculum details, click on the REQUIREMENTS button to the right.
Our adjunct faculty bring outstanding professional experience to our programs. Many are industry leaders with decorated careers and honors. Importantly, they are innovative educators who offer hands-on learning to our students to prepare them to enter and thrive in a dynamic, and oftentimes emerging, industry and professional world. They inspire, instruct, and challenge our students toward academic and professional success.
Online or Hybrid Programs at a Glance
This program is available .
For More Information or Explore Your Options
Contact your department / program coordinator or advisor for more details about the program. OR Work one-on-one with your advisor to explore your options.
The Online Advantage
With over 25 years of experience in online teaching and learning, MTSU Online offers students access to innovative, high-quality programs. Designed with students in mind, our courses allow maximum flexibility for those unable to participate in person.
Resources and services for online students are available from MTSU Online or contact us at distance@mtsu.edu.
