Education Specialist in School Leadership:
Building and District Level Emphases (EDS)

The Education Specialist in School Leadership with Building and District Level Emphases (EDS) program is designed for educators who are preparing for leadership positions in public schools.

• 4 semester program.
• Acceptance for fall semesters only.
• 32 semester-credit hours.
• Qualifies candidates for Georgia PL-6 certification as school building leader or school district leader.
• Candidates entering the program must have NL-5 certification.
• Candidates without L-5, NPL-5, NL-5 leadership certification must take two prerequisite courses the Summer 2012. 
• Candidates must have a current leadership role or position at the building or district level.
• Site location for the Fall 2012 cohort is the Gainesville State University Center.
• July 1 application deadline for those candidates with Georgia NL-5 certification.
• April 1 application deadline for those candidates without NL-5 certification.

Admission Procedures

Application materials may be obtained from the Office of Graduate Admissions or from the North Georgia website, www.northgeorgia.edu/Graduate.  

• When all application materials required to make an admission decision have been received by the Office of Graduate Admissions, notification will be sent to the applicant and a copy of the application packet will be forwarded to the program for acceptance decision.
• Notification will be mailed to the applicant verifying acceptance or denial.
• Students who are admitted, but do not enroll within 1 year of acceptance, must reapply through the Office of Graduate Admissions.

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General Admissions Eligibility for the Education Specialist in School Leadership

1. Master's degree in a teaching field from a regionally-accredited institution.
2. Cumulative graduate point average of at least 3.25 at the master level.
3. L-5, NPL-5, NL-5 Certification. Candidates without (L-5, NPL-5, NL-5) leadership certification must take two prerequisite courses Summer 2012.  Admission deadline is April 1 for those without NL-5 certification.
4. Entrance test score that is no more than 6 years old:
   GRE - at least 1,000 (v&q combined) prior to August 1, 2011, or 305 on the GRE (v&q combined) taken on or after August 1, 2011.
   Miller Analogies Test - at least 400.
5. Three years of teaching experience, unless you have a service certificate (i.e., Media Specialist, Counselor).
6. Employment in a leadership position that requires L-5 certification or that the system designates as a leadership position (subject to change based on PSC rules).

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General Admissions Requirements for Education Specialist in School Leadership

Application Checklist:

1. EDS application.
2. $40 application fee.
3. Official transcript showing master's degree awarded from a regionally-accredited institution.  Transfer credit posted on the records of other institutions is not accepted in lieu of transcripts from the original institutions.  Official transcripts for these credits must be submitted.
4. Official entrance test score.
5. L-5, NPL-5, NL-5 certification or two prerequisite courses taken Summer 2012.
6. Letter from principal stating leadership role/position, with a brief description of position, and recommendation for program.
7. North Georgia Certificate of Immunization, in accordance with Board of Regents' policy.
   Former North Georgia students are required to submit only proof of a tetanus booster within the last 10 years.
8. If applying for in-state tuition, proof of lawful presence in the U.S.

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Appeal of Graduate Admission

A candidate whose application is denied has the right to appeal the decision.

• An appeal must be made in written form. 
• Letter should clearly state the ground for appeal. 
• A candidate whose appeal is accepted will be admitted as a provisional student and must complete at least 6 hours with a grade no less than B to be considered for regular admission.
• Provisionally-admitted students are not eligible for financial aid while enrolled under this status.
• Candidates may not appeal for regular admission.

Mail appeal letters to:

EDS Program
School of Education
North Georgia College & State University
82 College Circle
Dahlonega, GA  30597-1001

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