In August, 2021, the Michigan State Board of Education adopted the Standards for the Preparation of Central Office School Administrators based on the National Educational Leadership Preparation Program Recognition (NELPS) Standards for advanced level. These new standards were a significant shift in the field of administrator preparation that have taken place since the original adoption of the ELCC standards. This shift in expectation for all alternative pathway programs as well as post-secondary degree granting institutions align with MDE’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan goal to “improve the health, safety, and wellness of all learners” by focusing programs and outcomes on learner and adult well-being instead of solely on student success.

Other shifts between the ELCC standards and the NELPS include more explicit focus on:
● Promoting equity, inclusivity, and cultural responsiveness in the school environment (Standard 3),
● Making data-driven decisions to improve school and curricular outcomes (Standard 1),
● Building professional capacity to implement those decisions (Standard 7),
● Demonstrating instructional leadership that improves student outcomes equitably (Standard 4), and
● Engaging in community leadership that includes families and supports the well being of all individuals in a school environment (Standard 5).

MASA, along with other state colleges/universities have spent considerable time updating and realigning their programs to meet these new standards to prepare candidates for leadership, accreditation, and state endorsement.

MASA’s program transitioned from a 15-day program to a 25-day program as a result.

In its design, this program is generally not for a current classroom teacher. Given the scope of the work and application to the district level, building level leadership experience is often a needed prerequisite. In addition, it is often difficult for individuals in non-leadership roles to have permission from their district to be away from classroom teaching responsibilities.

The NELPS and Central Office Endorsement requirements approved by the Michigan State Board of Education are district-level standards. There are no current state adopted standards or endorsements different for individuals working in regional settings. There are many overlapping themes of knowledge, leadership, and application of the NELPS to regional level leadership. Candidates who work at this level will find the learning relevant and applicable, however, the content and program itself is focused on district-level leadership. Application to the regional setting is the candidate’s responsibility with their mentor. There are multiple graduates from regional settings who have completed the 2.0 program with success and accomplishment.

Yes! There are reflective readings, videos, podcasts, self-assessments, and artifact review prior to each two-day session. In addition, candidates complete reflective homework that is connected to their internship and regular meetings with their mentor. Candidates can expect to spend 2-3 hrs for homework in-between each scheduled session for the first half of the program. The homework increases through the second half of the program as candidates demonstrate their learning through other performance-based requirements.

Yes, yes, and yes. Following each two-day session, candidates complete a quiz to demonstrate their formative understanding and application of the NELPS. At the conclusion of the program, candidates complete a summative standards-based assessment measuring their content knowledge and application of the NELPS. The state of Michigan is currently in the process of finalizing a state-wide assessment that will be used for final candidate approval to receive their administrator certificate. This is likely to become a requirement sometime in 2025. These summative assessments are part of the requirements for accreditation through CAEP.

Candidates demonstrate their learning through the following:
● Self-assessment of learning
● Mentor Log Discussions/Reflection
● Internship Application/Reflection
● Equity Capstone Project
● Capstone Action-Research Project of a school-district-regional based initiative designed to improve student achievement
● Final Recommendations for Continuous Improvement to their employment setting
● Reflections on advocacy at the state level
● Formative Quizzes
● Summative Standards Based Assessment

The program is typically offered in the Fall and Winter/Spring of each year based on enrollment. In-Person and Virtual cohorts may be offered.

Currently Google Drive is used as the primary mechanism for sharing and submitting of work. Zoom is used for synchronous virtual learning experiences.

Yes! Articulation agreements have been established with Northern Michigan University and Western Michigan University. Please see the contact information on this website to learn more. While this is not a degree granting program, candidates will save time, money, and other resources as this learning counts as a prior learning assessment for an Ed.S., Ed,D., or Ph.D. Candidates do not have to move forward for advanced degrees.

Generally speaking, in-person cohorts are offered in the Fall and Winter/Spring of each year. However, the operation of an in-person cohort is dependent on the number of candidates interested. A minimum is required for operation.

Mentors are selected mutually with the faculty of the HLA program. Mentors will have demonstrated at least three years of effective performance in their current leadership position. Mentors should be selected for the position of which the candidate is aspiring to be ie. superintendent, curriculum director, human resources etc. in order to apply the learning in applicable settings. Candidates should consider mentors who are outside of their own district when possible and individuals who have led in diverse settings.

Candidates self-assess their current leadership knowledge, skill and application across the NELPS. Many leadership roles and responsibilities will transfer to the Internship as candidates apply district level functions and responsibilities. The Equity Capstone Project and Capstone Action Research Project may be completed within their current district setting and counts toward 160 hours of the Internship experience.

MASA and MAASE have collaborated on an application to the Michigan Department of Education for candidates to concurrently earn their “Supervisor” and/or “Director” approvals while earning their administrator certificate and central office endorsement. Additional days of instruction will likely take place embedded throughout the general education curriculum specializing on the standards for leadership in special education. We hope to know the status of this application in the near future. If approved, cohorts may begin as early as January, 2025.

An endorsement is a credential placed on a school administrator certificate that signals that the individual has earned it by going through a program of study designed to focus on skills centered around a particular area. The Central Office Endorsement in the Horizon Leadership Academy Program attests that the holder has learned and can apply the skills needed to be successful at the central office level. An endorsement is transferable and may be recognized in other states beyond Michigan.

We place a high value on participants attending every session and provide the dates in advance so that you may arrange your schedule accordingly. This program incorporates active problem-solving and networking between cohort participants, which is impossible to do when you are not present. If an emergency or extenuating situation presents itself and you miss, you will need to contact your trainer to discuss next steps.

Yes, by satisfactorily completing the program by attending all sessions, submitting all projects, papers, etc. and completing your 300-hour internship you will earn your School Administrator Certificate with a Central Office Endorsement.

Yes, if you have a current School Administrator Certificate, you will earn 150 SCECHs.

Many districts require a Central Office Endorsement for the positions of superintendent, assistant superintendent, director, or other central office positions.

The Horizon Leadership Academy is open to charter school employees.

Every situation is different. We recommend you contact Dr. Brian Davis, Associate Executive Director of Professional Learning to discuss your unique situation.  

Phone:(517) 885-3089
Email: bdavis@gomasa.org

No. You must attend all of the sessions and complete all program requirements in order to earn a School Administrator Certificate and Central Office Endorsement.