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__**Aaron's Educational Leadership Wiki**__ - __**End of Program**__

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= MS Educational Leadership **Program Goals** =

__**Program Goal 1: Envision and guide organizational change.**__

Organizational change is something that is integral to the effectiveness and success of post-secondary institutions. In order to implement progressive organizational change, one must effectively plan for change, considering all aspects of said change, and how it will affect various aspects of the institution as a whole. One thing that I very much enjoy is considering all the possibilities of what //could// happen within an organization. First and foremost, it seems important to have a particular vision for how things could be. There is no reason why a leader couldn't and shouldn't be a visionary and a dreamer regarding the organization. It would seem that a leader should be able to see how the organization could be and then take necessary steps in order to create that change and affect the organization for the better. As I stated in my the program goal one for the beginning of the MS Educational Leadership program, I essentially stated that one needs to break organizational down into a series of steps. A number of classes in the program helped me understand how I could break this change down and make it possible, but one class really stands out to me. Educational Leadership 766, Program Planning and Evaluation, helped me to understand //how// organizational change is effectively down and ways in which it can be formatted and structured. Additionally, I discovered that one must take //all// stakeholders into consideration when creating a program and/or organizational change in order to make the change possible and understand various parties motivations or lack thereof behind the change. I have heard from a number of individuals at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh that I am a man of ideas and indeed, I feel I am. I have great enthusiasm for organization change and believe my vision, coupled with valuable advice from others, helps me make positive decisions regarding change that make the organization a better place.

I feel that I have accomplished this program goal in my position as a research data analyst at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Office of Graduate Studies. As a result of the document that I created in Educational Leadership 766, Greg Wypiszynski, the Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, felt that we had enough information and structure to implement the idea of GradSchool Fest, an event designed to help enhance graduate education visibility and awareness. I feel that I have put a lot of vision, energy, and enthusiasm into planning and coordinating the event, and these are things that I should bring to the every professional endeavor I engage in.

The following "Context and Need" document is from Educational Leadership 766 and explores the development of the GradSchool Fest program. I believe that it appropriately displays achievement of envisioning and guiding organizational change through the understanding of the need and context of for such an event



__**Program Goal 2: Communicate effectively, engage constituents, develop people and build community**__**.**

This is one area that I continue to feel very strong about. My experiences in the MS Educational Leadership program have helped me understand that it is essential to create open lines of effective communication in order to obtain an optimal result regarding organizational change. Additionally, my experiences working at the Office of Graduate Studies has allowed me to network and come in touch with a number of individuals who have taught me a wealth of information, as well as allowing me to work closely with them regarding organizational change at many levels. Often, I've contacted a number of Deans and coordinators who have helped me understand "best practices" regarding certain organizational change, which has helped me to advance the institution. Also, talking with these individuals has helped me create a network of individuals that I can stay in touch with regarding institutional information. Communicating with these individuals, both through email and telephone, has helped me clearly communicate some of the goals and objectives of the projects that I have engaged myself in and given me the chance to give my own personal insight on particular aspects of organizational change for these individuals, discussing a number of ways in which institutions in general can be changed and how they //should// be changed. I have also had the pleasure of communicating with a number of individuals on campus face to face, which has helped build community through similar student services objectives and goals. Effectively communicating with these individuals has been a pleasure for me since I have been able to expand my network and developed some associates along the way that can help me effectively change organizations. In my experiences with coordinating the GradSchool Fest event, I have found that communicating effectively with individuals is absolutely essential to building community at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. I have had the unique pleasure of collaborating with a number of graduate faculty regarding the event, as well as University Student Services, including Financial Aid, the Writing Center, Career Services, and the Reading Study Center. Communicating effectively with these groups and individuals has allowed me to build community regarding the GradSchool Fest event, and has helped me build a number of relationships with these groups and individuals.

One artifact that shows my ability to communicate effectively, engage constituents, develop people and build community is the "Problem Hypothesis and Design" document that explains how the GradSchool Fest should be shaped and what constituents and shareholders should be communicated with to build up the event and increase cohesion among faculty, student services, and students. As this document was used in the practical application and communication of constituents, it is an appropriate piece that shows how to effectively communicate with individuals and build community in order to develop a positive educational environment.



__**Program Goal 3: Advocate and promote equity for diverse populations and respect for individuals.**__

I feel that it is absolutely essential as a future administrator and professional situated in post-secondary education to constantly be an advocate for under represented and diverse populations to hopefully foster a deep respect among //all// individuals at the institution. As under represented and diverse populations become an increasing aspect of the overall student institutional population, it is necessary to develop more resources, presentations, workshops, and departments to help meet the needs of these populations. Since these populations may not have a voice to advocate necessary changes for them, it is essential that I continue to advocate for these groups in order to create more equity for all. Additionally, some, if not all, of these populations may have suffered some form of discrimination, inequity, or injustice. As a result, I believe that it is necessary to implement proper programs, presentations, and workshops that center around the concept of developing respect for all individuals and populations in order to create an overall campus environment that is positive and progressive. As I have previously mentioned, individuals in leadership positions in post-secondary institutions should do everything in their power to provide the best possible support, aid, resources, and service to under represented and diverse populations. By creating a positive institutional environment focused on inclusion and progressiveness, all individuals and populations will be situated in a safe learning environment that will help advance everyone.

One thing that I am particularly proud about is the Multicultural and Diversity Conference that I attended at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in the Fall of 2010. I feel that this event helped me to better understand myself as an advocate for under represented and diverse populations. I have always been an advocate for diverse populations and feel that providing additional aid, service, resources, and the like can ensure that these populations have the right tools to succeed. I have always been a proponent for equality in all aspects of life and feel that, as a leader, I will ensure that under represented populations have the necessary tools to succeed in post-secondary education.

The following document is from Educational Foundations 706/Educational Leadership 729 and is titled the "Sue Wilson Case Study," a document that explores the problems that individuals with a lower socioeconomic status have to deal with in relation to education. It helps us to understand why it is so important to focus on under represented populations and why it is essential to provide these populations with a voice. Additionally, I have attached a "Voice and Advocacy" document from the same class that explains why it is essential that we, as educational leaders, act as advocates for these under represented populations.



__**Program Goal 4: Integrate theory, data, research and ethical standards into the context of one's practice through continual learning.**__

After working my way through the Educational Leadership program at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, I feel as though I have a much better take on the concept of integrating theory, data, research, and ethical standards into my professional practice. In my time as a research data analyst for the Office of Graduate Studies, I have found that using leadership theories that I have learned from literature to enhance my understanding of my professional practice. Additionally, I feel that using data and research are of the utmost importance in education, as quantitative and qualitative data and research help to make a case and point for any form of educational and organizational changes that need to be made at a post-secondary institution. Also, it is incredibly important that ethical standards are followed in all leadership decisions and professional conduct, as leaders should make sure that professional contexts are fair and balanced. By implementing theory, data, research, and ethical standards, one can help to lay a proper structure out for the //future// of the institution by understanding what has previously happened at the institution and other institutions and state, nation, and global trends that are happening in post-secondary education. As educational is becoming increasingly more globalized, institutions are rapidly evolving and advancing. As a result of this, it is important as a leader to never grow complacent, but rather to continually be progressive in his or her approach to determine the best possible changes to an institution through the active exploration of new theories, data, research, with a firm basis of ethical standards.

As a research data analyst, I have had the unique pleasure of finding a variety of data and research that can, has, and will be used to make the case for specific advancements of post-secondary education. In fact, since the beginning of the Educational Leadership program, I have become even more analytical than I was prior to entering in the program, which I find to be a very valuable thing. I analyze everything that comes my way in regards to professional projects and I feel that these skills and ways of thinking will help advance myself in a post-secondary institution, and as a result, help to advance the institution itself.

The artifact that I am including for this particular program goal is titled "Technology Implementation in Post-Secondary Institutions" and discusses theory, data, and research related to the concept of implementing and integrating technologies into post-secondary education and the implications of doing so. This artifact conveys the vision of leadership that I have regarding technology in post-secondary education, coupled with appropriate theory, data, and research to display how and //why// it could and should be done.



=MS Educational Leadership **Program Dispositions** =

__**1. Value change as the source of opportunity for improvement.**__

As the world becomes increasingly more globalized and technologically advanced, it is important for post-secondary institution leaders to realize that these changes should be seen as the source of opportunity and use this change as a means of advancement by the institution. If a post-secondary institution is supposed to succeed in this new, faster, more technologically advanced world, it must be proactive in its approach and adopt new, best practices of 21st century universities, colleges, and institutions in order to be seen as leaders this century. By being proactive, institutions will undoubtedly see substantial growth and and support due to the advancements of the institution. Furthermore, post-secondary institutions in the 21st century have different missions, values, objectives, and goals than that of their 20th century counterparts. It is important for educational/administrative leaders to understand the differences between these respective missions, values, objectives, and goals and to transition institutions from the "old way" into the new ways of doing things. Every single day, changes are made to a number of institutions to make them more competitive in the increasingly globalized and technologically advanced world. Additionally, society as a whole continues to change and advance very quickly. As a result, leaders must be aware of these advances and changes or they may suffer the risk of falling behind other post-secondary institutions.

Personally, I see the advancements of technology and an increasingly globalized society and/or economy as a good thing, something that can help advance the larger mission of post-secondary education in the United States, and by extension, the world. I believe that post-secondary institutions should make the necessary changes to their infrastructure in order to make them conducive for new types of learning in the 21st century, as well as giving students advanced opportunities as a result of the appropriate infrastructure that will teach new age skills. The Educational Leadership program has helped me learn that I need to keep an eye out for all opportunities and advancements, which I now do all the time. I feel that as a future leader, I must be aware of what universities, colleges, and institutions can do and be an advocate for the implementation of these types of advancements. My time spent on the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Graduate Council has allowed me to understand and appreciate the concept of centralizing various degree programs in order to provide a better education and service to all students. Through my research as a research data analyst, I have found that centralized, proactive marketing and recruitment efforts have fared very well for a number of institutions. This sort of "trend," if you will, seems to be an opportunity to me. With the advancements in technology in the last five to ten years, I believe there are many opportunities in post-secondary marketing and recruitment.

One artifact that I believe shows that I value change as the source of opportunity for improvement is my Educational Leadership 796 Marketing matrix that breaks down various marketing tools used by a variety of institutions. In addition to showing the institutions that use what tools, the information provided states what tools are used most often. Another artifact that I believe demonstrates my personal belief in this program disposition is that of my Educational Leadership 754 Wiki, which has a number of different links to personal projects that I've completed with a variety of technologies. Additionally, I have added my "Technology is Rad" blog which has a link to Pranav Mistry's Sixth Sense Technology video, an intriguing video of how things will be in the future once the emergence of Sixth Sense Technology becomes more popular and utilized in all facets of life, including post-secondary education. I would encourage you to take a look, as the concept of Sixth Sense technology is not only quite intriguing, it will provide a number of opportunities for leaders situated in post-secondary education.



Educational Leadership 754 Wiki

[|"Technology is Rad" Blog]

__**2. Display the ability to understand people and relationships and be receptive to the ideas of others.**__

Understanding individuals and being receptive to various individuals ideas is something that is necessary in post-secondary education. In addition to collaborating with a number of different individuals, it is essential to be receptive to a variety of different ideas in order for success in post-secondary education. As a leader, one must take a democratic approach and respect the opinions, viewpoints, and ideas of all constituents, students, faculty, and staff in order to have a holistic approach to an institution's mission, vision, objectives, and goals, as previously mentioned. A leader must respect the opinions of others and take a positive approach to all relationships in order to build community within post-secondary institutions. By building community and developing a positive environment, relationships will be built up. As it is discussed in my Leadership Philosophy and my Leadership Vision, I believe that leaders should do their best to create an environment that is conducive to teaching, facilitating, and learning for all individuals. Having an environment that is very transparent and positive will allow for better forms of communication that will allow all colleagues to discuss all potential issues. Building community is something that all leaders must do to ensure that each professional environment/context is one that will operate smoothly and will help advance the institution.

Additionally, the ideas of others must not only come from those inside of the institution, but also other knowledgeable sources that may understand particular issues or challenges that an institution faces. Rather than "reinvent the wheel," a leader should seek out these sources and individuals in order to enhance post-secondary institutions. As a leader, one must seek out the appropriate ideas of others that will help better the institution. I believe that two artifacts accurately describe my ability to understand people and relationships, as well as be receptive the ideas of others. In my time as a research data analyst, I have found that understanding people and relationships has helped me build community with a number of individuals and also to create a positive feeling with those I've collaborated with. I always feel that it is appropriate to ask others questions and get input about the job that I am doing and ways in which we can do things better. By doing so, I've been able to gain different perspectives on things and different ways of doing things. As a graduate assistant, I have collaborated with my fellow graduate assistants and professors to develop efficient, effective ways of accomplish tasks and research. I find this particularly useful, because in addition to building up relationships with these colleagues, I have been able to use others opinions and ideas as stepping stones on how to enhance some of the research that we've done, including how to specifically code certain research and how to organize research in connection with research participants.

The first artifact is a Learning Observation paper from Educational Leadership 763 and focuses on my ability to observe others, their learning styles, and their relationships in conjunction with others. It helped me to better understand how individuals respond to others' actions and why these relationships are important. I believe that my ability to observe others actions and their relationships with people in various learning contexts will help me to better understand these individuals in professional contexts and how I can enhance my relationships with these individuals to develop a positive environment. The second artifact is a Standards and Curriculum Approval Process paper from Educational Leadership 714 and displays my ability to be receptive to the ideas of others. Additionally, the artifact displays my ability to analyze these ideas and determine what the best course of action for an institution may be.




 * __3. Show a willingness to implement non-discriminatory access, accommodations and assessments.__**

This particular program disposition is something that I feel incredibly strong about and feel that a number of reforms need to be done in order to properly address non-discriminatory access, accommodations and assessments. As a leader, I feel that one should be an advocate for these concepts, as they promote equity in post-secondary education. All individuals should have equal access, accommodations and assessments that are fair and non-discriminatory to ensure success for these individuals. Leaders in post-secondary education should be aware of all of their students and create, as I've stated before, a "collective community" that gives the same amount of access, resources, aid, support, accommodations, and assessments to all students, rather than a specific few. As all individuals pay for a quality education, it is absolutely essential that every individual is given the same chance to succeed as every other student. I believe that this can be done by being proactive in one's approach to the ideas of access, accommodation and assessment by having a set

While I have not personally been given an extended chance to implement specific non-discriminatory access, accommodations or assessments in my professional field, I feel that I will be given the chance someday and will run with the concept. I have had the experience of developing and coordinating GradSchool Fest and feel that I have been aware of providing access and accommodations for all students at the University. Additionally, I have learned a great deal about access and assessments via the Curriculum Approval Committee, a subcommittee of the Graduate Council. I particularly feel that I've learned a great deal about the idea of access, accommodations and assessments through Educational Leadership 714 and through the issue of reform. Reform is something that seems necessary in many facets of post-secondary education and as a result, it includes access, accommodations and assessments for students not only in post-secondary education, but that of individuals in all levels of education. Reform seems particularly important in this day and age, and I believe that it goes hand in hand with the aspects described in this disposition.

I feel that my Educational Leadership 714 "Calls for Reform" paper accurately describes the types of reform that are currently being circulated right, what reforms could be particularly effective, and how these reforms are important to various ideas such as non-discriminatory access, accommodations and assessments.




 * __4. Demonstrate empathic understanding of diversity in all domains.__**

It is my belief that demonstrating empathetic understanding of diversity in all domains is something that must be down by all educational leaders. As a future leader, I feel that it is necessary to relate to all individuals within a post-secondary institution to truly understand where they are coming from and the successes, attitudes, issues, and experiences that make up who they are. Without developing a sense of empathetic understanding of diversity, a leader will never truly understand how an individual or various populations and cultures of people may feel and the experiences that they come from. This is particularly harmful, as leaders will not be able to pinpoint specific issues that affect individuals or groups of individuals, diverse and under represented populations, and specific cultures on campus. Constituents need a leader who can step into their shoes and understand the things that they are going through and use these vicarious types of experiences to develop programs, assistance, aid, resources, and accommodations that will best suit specific populations. Additionally, constituents need a leader who is proactive about demonstrating empathetic understanding of diversity in all facets of University life, constantly attempting to develop additional perspectives and viewpoints that will help a leader understand what sorts of advancements and additions need to be made to help all individuals at the University. Additionally, It is important as a leader to understand the issues of all constituents situated in a particular post-secondary institution, but it is also important for a leader to understand diversity in other institutions as well, to understand what other institutions are doing to promote diversity, using best practices to help guide organizational change at a specific institution.

My role as a research data analyst has allowed me to analyze and review a variety of data regarding specific populations of students at institutions and it has been an eye opening experience. Some schools may not have as diverse populations as they would like, which may raise some reg flags for that institution. The good thing about data and research is that it not only allows one to identify data that does, indeed, raise red flags, but it allows educational leaders the opportunity to advance areas that may not particularly have as much diversity as the institution would like. Given what I learned at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Diversity Conference, I feel as though I have a very empathetic understanding of why diversity is important in all domains. I was able to come out of the event with an increased appreciation for diversity in all aspects of post-secondary institutions, as diversity in the University allows all students the safety and freedom to grow as individuals and to learn more about themselves without having to fear about who they are, what they look like, and the things they feel and believe.

My first artifact, my "Professional Development" document from Educational Leadership 729, explores some of the ideas that I learned at the conference and gives insight to my belief and empathetic feelings regarding diversity in all facets of post secondary education. The second artifact that I have included is that of my Educational Leadership 701 "Environmental Scan," as I believe that it displays many issues that are prevalent in today's society, issues that may hit the institutional campus or the surrounding community, and it is important to remember and respect inclusion and diversity regarding these issues.




 * __5. Regularly reflect upon the philosophical assumptions, ethical principles, and rationale that guides one's practice.__**

I believe that all educational and administrative leaders should constantly reflect on their own leadership visions and philosophies to truly understand themselves as a person, rather than staying with what has "always been." As a leader, one must analyze whether or not their philosophical assumptions still hold true in the current context he or she may be situated in. It is not enough for a leader to develop a leadership philosophy and stay with it. Rather, a leader must examine his or her own leadership philosophy and determine whether or not it is appropriate and suitable in a variety of contexts and reform and reshape it as necessary in order to create the most positive, effective environment and build community. Additionally, one must reflect upon his or her ethical principles and rationale behind decisions he or she makes. By doing so, a leader sets him or herself up for success by being able to constantly reinvent themselves and advancing themselves through new literature, resources, and perspectives. I always find myself reading literature about post-secondary education and continually come back to ways in which I can enhance myself as an individual through my own reflection of my philosophical assumptions, ethical principles, and rationale behind all I do. This is very important to me as a leader, because I will never be content with just being who I am. Rather, I would prefer to advance myself as a leader through a variety of literature in order to better myself constant. If I am constantly reflective of my own philosophical assumptions, ethical principles, and rationale, I will be in a better, more confident situation to follow through on positive organizational change. I feel that being reflective is important in all aspects of life, may it be my personal life or my professional endeavors. If I better understand myself and can enhance myself to be a more knowledgeable and positive leader, I think that is a very good thing.

I have found Educational Leadership 763 "Understanding and Facilitating Learning in Adulthood" to be one of the most useful classes that I have ever had in my entire life. It has allowed me to truly engage myself in a variety of literature regarding adult learners, literature that is applicable in many, if not all, aspects of my professional and personal life. I have grown tremendously because of my understanding of a variety of concepts in the class, including transformative learning, emotional learning, autobiography, self-directed learning, and learning for social justice to name a few. I have always reflected on my professional and personal life a lot, but I have found through this literature that I am doing so much more. While it is truly hard to convey, I have used this literature to better myself as a professional and have applied many of the concepts of adult learning to my learning observations in the Undergraduate Advising Resource Center.

My first artifact is that of my Educational Leadership 763 Literature Review. I believe in clearly displays my analysis and reflection of the ideas expressed in the various texts and how they are essential and important to adult learning. My second artifact is a "Leadership Observation" for Educational Leadership 730 and has helped me to understand the different ideas of another educational leader, ideas that have helped me to better understand and reflect on my own leadership philosophy, ethical principles, and rationale.



__**6. Understand oneself as a learner, and value learning as a core capacity.**__

I think one of the greatest things in the world is to truly understand who you are as a learner and to consistently be a self-directed learner in all aspects of life, may it be professional or personal life. I believe that no one should ever lose their passion for learning or grow complacent, but rather to be continually value learning throughout one's entire life. I have found myself fortunate to have always been a self-directed learner. As far as I can remember back, I have always been seeking out knowledge, either to be better myself in something that is applicable to my professional or personal life, or just for fun on my free time. Personally, I believe there is never a time where someone shouldn't be attempting to learn something, as there is so much valuable information in the world and it can be used in so many different contexts. I truly think that it's a beautiful thing to learn about one's self and to continually learn and understand about all of the various intricacies of our lives.

Regarding post-secondary education, I always feel blessed to constantly be learning about the field that I have an intense passion for. In my positions as a research data analyst and graduate assistant, respectively, I am constantly learning new ways of doing things and new information that makes me better at each position. While the information learned in each position may not seem to relate to the other position, I have found that the knowledge learned at one can be applied to the other in some way, shape, or form. Additionally, I feel that the knowledge learned at both helps shape the holistic representation of me, which helps me to better understand post-secondary education better as a whole. These experiences, coupled with those of the Graduate Council, have given me a good basis for understanding post-secondary education and post-secondary institutions. However, I feel that I have only learned the tip of the iceberg and that there is much more to learn as a navigate my way throughout my professional and personal life.

Two artifacts display my understanding of myself as a learner and my love for learning. The first is my "Purpose of Education" reflection paper from Educational Leadership 714. I believe that this artifact helped me to better understand my own views on education and what I truly believe the point of education is. Since I'll be working in post-secondary education and learning much more about the field of post-secondary education as I am situated, I thought that it would only be appropriate to include the very artifact that helped me to truly define my own views on education and what I believe it's value to individuals is. The second document that I am including is my "Perceived Effects of Music on Work Performance, Productivity, and Stress Alleviation" research paper from Educational Leadership 786. As I believe that it is important to never stop learning about things that can enhance my professional and personal life, I thought that it would be useful to include a document that has helped me to better understand a way to create and foster an environment that alleviates stress and increases work productivity. As a self-directed learner, I feel that it is important to never stop learning in life and to constantly seek out new information that can enhance all facets of life.