Department of Educational Administration

Overview

Effective September 2004, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) sanctions school administration in New York State by three certifications: School Building Leader (SBL), School District Leader (SDL), and School District Business Leader (SDBL). New York State requires any person serving more than 10 periods per week in public school building-level administrative responsibilities to hold SBL certification. Illustrative titles requiring this certification include principal, vice principal, department chair, and grade-level coordinator. Superintendents, assistant superintendents and numerous other central office administrative positions require the SDL certification. School business administrators and assistant superintendents for business require the SDBL certification.

There are two programs housed within the Department of Educational Administration at SUNY Brockport.

• The Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in Educational Administration. An earned master's degree is required for entrance into this program.

• The Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) in School Business Administration. Students entering the School Business Administration program without an earned master's degree may earn the master's degree as part of this program.

The CAS in Educational Administration Program prepares individuals to be instructional leaders in school buildings and district offices. Students who successfully complete the program are awarded the CAS in Educational Administration, which is the post-masters/pre-doctorate degree. With the changes in administrative certification requirements effective September 1, 2004, students will have the option of completing the CAS program leading to the School Building Leader (SBL) certification, the School District Leader (SDL) certification, or both the SBL and SDL certifications. Students will make this choice upon matriculation into the program.

The CAS in School Business Administration program is designed expressly for students seeking school district business positions. Upon completion of the SBA Program, students are awarded the CAS in School Business Administration and are then eligible to apply for the School District Business Leader (SDBL) certification issued by the New York State Education Department.

As a result of the changes in administrative certification taking place September 2004, students entering a program of study in educational leadership will no longer be able to apply to the NYSED for administrative certification through the process of direct application. All applications for administrative certification for those students entering a program effective September 2004 and after must be through the process of institutional endorsement, which means the successful completion/graduation from an approved program registered with the NYSED.

In addition to the educational and experiential requirements for these certifications, NYSED also plans to institute a testing/assessment piece for each administrative certification plus a continuing education/professional development requirement. However, details about these have not yet been provided. Once provided, this web site will be updated with that information.