M.A. in Educational Leadership and Policy

Clinical Experiences

The Educational Leadership and Policy program provides candidates with a comprehensive blend of theory and practical experience, developed through more than 500 hours of clinical experience across two components: Fieldwork and Internship. Both are designed to be completed within the candidate’s current school or district, allowing candidates to apply leadership concepts directly in their existing professional role while fulfilling program requirements.

Fieldwork Experience (135 hours):
Candidates complete 15 hours of fieldwork in each of nine Foundation and Methods & Application courses, Engaging Communities for Change, Legal and Ethical Issues, Fiscal Management, Operations & Management, Program Evaluation, Supervision of Instruction, Instructional and Curriculum Leadership, Managing Human Capital, and Leading School & District Improvement. Fieldwork may be completed in the candidate’s home school or district, or off-site in a different setting, and each course requires candidates to document and reflect on their experience.

Internship (400 hours):
Candidates complete two internship courses, EDL 510 and EDL 511, totaling a minimum of 400 clock hours under the dual supervision of a clinical educator (a certified principal in the candidate’s district) and a URI faculty internship supervisor. Each internship course includes:

• Core Internship Activities: Ten structured leadership activities per semester, aligned to the RISEL standards
• A Leadership Project: One project per internship course, designed to address a real need in the candidate’s school and mirror the kind of initiative a principal would lead
• Practicum Days: Six full-day observations total (three each semester) at a school with a different grade level or demographic than the candidate’s own, providing exposure to leadership in varied settings
• Biweekly Seminars: Reflective sessions building toward the Leadership Portfolio, alongside panel discussions and simulations with experienced administrators
• A Weekly Reflection Journal

Release Time

As a condition of admission, candidates must secure 15 days of release time from their district: 9 days for fieldwork (one per course) and 6 days for practicum experiences (three each semester of internship). A Superintendent Letter of Support confirming this release time is required upon acceptance into the program.