Educational administrators are key players in shaping the educational landscape, guiding and influencing critical areas such as curriculum development, assessments, and resource management. Curriculum leadership lies at the heart of educational administration. Professionals in this area must have a strategic approach focused on ensuring educational curricula are inclusive and adaptable and align with academic standards to meet the diverse needs of students.
This article explores the significance of curriculum leadership, why educational administrators must grasp its principles, and how Emporia State University’s online Master of Science (MS) in Educational Administration program equips graduates to excel in this critical aspect of educational leadership.
What Is Curriculum Leadership?
Curriculum leadership is about not only designing educational programs but also leading transformation while noticing the transformative changes in the schooling environment. According to author Jon Wiles, curriculum managers “focus on reviewing materials, control issues, daily problem-solving, and encouraging a predictable routine from year to year.”
Wiles adds that effective curriculum leadership must also “establish new direction, align people and resources, motivate participants, and produce meaningful change for school improvement. In short, effective curriculum leadership is more than maintenance; it is dynamic in nature.”
The goal is to enhance learning outcomes and ensure educational equity. Curriculum leadership equips educational leaders with the tools to navigate challenges, foster innovation, and create inclusive educational environments where every student can thrive. It is an extremely proactive job, and a successful leader must have a strong vision above all.
Ambition Institute outlines five key tips for successful curriculum leadership in schools, including prioritizing continuous improvement through ongoing evaluation and fostering collaboration among educators to ensure diverse perspectives are considered in curriculum development processes. Additionally, Ambition Institute underscores the value of engaging with research and evidence to inform curriculum decisions, promoting a culture of learning, and innovating within educational institutions.
Why Do Educational Administrators Need Curriculum Leadership Insights?
According to Indeed, educational administration encompasses a broad range of responsibilities essential for managing school systems. Aside from overseeing curriculum development, these professionals implement assessments and manage human and material resources to achieve specific educational goals. Administrators play a crucial role in providing direction within educational institutions, fostering a conducive learning environment for students, and supporting the professional growth of educators and other staff.
Because of this, understanding curriculum leadership is essential for educational administrators. By understanding and applying curriculum leadership principles, administrators can lead their schools towards academic excellence and equity, ensuring that every student receives a high-quality education tailored to their needs.
Emporia State University’s online MS in Educational Administration program emphasizes the importance of curriculum leadership through specialized coursework, including the Curriculum Leadership: Models & Strategies course. Graduates of the program have the knowledge and skills to implement evidence-based practices and promote continuous improvement in educational curricula.
Empowering Educational Leaders
Writing for Teach Better, Steven Weber poses questions for curriculum leadership teams to ensure that educational curricula are effective, responsive, and aligned with educational objectives. They include:
- Are the curricula aligned with educational standards and goals?
- How do assessments measure student progress and inform instructional practices?
- How can curricula be adapted to meet changing educational needs and standards?
Asking these questions is the first step in engaging with empowering practices in curriculum leadership. In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, curriculum leadership is not merely a role but also a responsibility educational administrators must embrace.
Learn more about Emporia State University’s online MS in Educational Administration program.
