Policy on Specialization Papers (CSP & EPP)

Public School Executive Leadership (PSEL) Programs
Cooperative Superintendency
Educational Policy and Planning

 Specialization Examination Paper Policy and Procedures

Specialization Paper Submittal Form

Definition

The specialization paper may be a review of literature in a specific area, original research, a theory-oriented discussion, a paper on a relevant research methodology, or a description or evaluation of a field- or practice-oriented problem. In all cases, it is expected that relevant literature will be well used. Also, if the paper is based on actual research, a copy of the human subjects IRB approval or the IRB class project form for this specific research project must be attached.

Requirements

The student may submit a specialization paper at any time after the completion of 36 hours of course work (to include all core course requirements, the Introduction to Systems of Human Inquiry course and one additional research course).

Quality Standards

1) The specialization paper should be a paper that is of a quality that could be submitted to an academic journal. An appropriate academic journal must be named on the title page of the paper. Since most journals accept papers in the 20-35 page range, including references and endnotes (everything double-spaced, as required in APA format), this is the expected length of the paper. The specialization paper needs to be a paper that stands by itself, i.e., it cannot read like a chapter in a larger work, and must represent a complete paper.

2) The APA style format (6th ed.) must be used in all relevant aspects of the paper. This Publication Manual should guide the writer in all areas of preparation and is not limited to margins, font size, reference and citation formats, double-spacing, and other formatting rules.

3) The focus of the paper may be any issue in k-12 education, but it must be specific enough to allow in-depth analysis and coverage within the confines of a 20-35-page paper. However, it is recommended that the student consult with one or more PSEL faculty members on the chosen topic before starting the paper.

Process

Students may consult with their faculty advisor about their readiness to complete the specialization examination and submit the paper as follows:

• Complete the Specialization Paper Submittal Form to turn in the specialization paper to the staff member assisting the PSEL Program Head.

• Submit the paper at least five weeks before applying for Advancement to Candidacy for a specific semester (Fall, Spring or Summer). There will be no exceptions to this deadline.

• Submit four copies of the paper. The student’s name cannot be listed, nor can the student refer to herself or himself by name in the paper, i.e., the authorship of the paper must be completely anonymous.

Grading System

1) Once the specialization paper is submitted, it will be graded following a “blind review” process. The paper will be randomly distributed to PSEL faculty members. Two faculty members will grade each paper. If both graders rate the paper as “Adequate,” the student will be notified of his/her successful completion of the specialization paper.

2) If one faculty member grades the paper as “Adequate” and the other faculty grades the paper as “Inadequate,” the paper will be given to a third faculty. If the third faculty determines that the paper is “Adequate,” the student will be notified of his/her successful completion of the specialization paper.

3) If the third faculty grades the paper as “Inadequate,” the paper will be considered to have failed, and the stunt will be notified about the outcome, including comments from the readers.

4) If both of the initial two faculty determine the paper to be “Inadequate,” the paper will be considered to have failed and the student will be notified about the outcome, including comments from the readers.

Failed Specialization Examination Paper

1) If a student’s specialization paper is judged to have failed, the student must
consult with her/his program advisor on the next steps to improve and re-submit the specialization paper. Such steps may include:

a) Complete an academic writing course, workshop or tutoring (offered through the university or any other accredited institution) to enhance their scholarly writing capacity before re-submitting the specialization paper. Evidence of successful completion of such additional work must also be submitted.

b) If a student chooses to re-submit the same revised paper, it will be graded by the same faculty who graded the first paper.

c) If a student chooses to submit a new paper, it will be graded following the initial process (Different faculty will read the paper).

2) The PSEL faculty advisor that was consulted for the revision cannot be a grader for the revised or new paper.

3) If the student’s specialization paper fails a second time, the student will not be allowed to proceed to the dissertation stage of the program.

 

Grading Criteria

Specialization papers will be graded as: Exceptional, Good, Adequate, or Inadequate. The following grading criteria will be used:

Content: a) appropriate coverage; b) use of an appropriate research, practice, or theory framework; c) thorough, appropriate, and skillful use of relevant literature; and, d) salience to the field of the focus of the paper.

Quality of thought: a) clear presentation of a good argument; b) evidence of analytical skills; c) when appropriate, evidence of problem solving skills; d) when appropriate, considers more than one perspective; and, e) evidence of thoughtfulness and insight.

Quality of writing: a) good syntax and grammar; b) precision and clarity; c) good logic, flows well, and is clearly organized; and, d) minimal use of clichés

 

Additional Notes

1) All papers that were graded as Adequate or better will be made available to all students in a public file but without the student’s name. Students are encouraged to read these prior to submitting a paper.

2) Students are also encouraged to review sample manuscripts found in refereed journals such as the Review of Educational Research published by the American Educational Research Association.

Updated 10/28 2009
MNOvando/PSEL