Capella University receives state approval for K-12 leadership specialization
Graduate program is now regionally accredited and state-approved

from: Capella University

Minneapolis, April 18, 2003 - Capella University's graduate specialization in K-12 Educational Leadership was approved by the Minnesota Board of School Administrators on April 2, 2003. Capella University is the first online university to receive approval to endorse K-12 principals and superintendents for licensure in Minnesota and the only online university in the nation to achieve both regional accreditation and state approval. Now Capella graduates living in states throughout the nation can more readily receive licensure upon completion.

"Approval from the Minnesota Board is very meaningful," said Michael Offerman, president of Capella University. "Minnesota standards are among the highest in the nation and their examination process is rigorous. There are only eight other universities in Minnesota who are approved to endorse principals and superintendents for licensure."

Marc Boehlke, executive director of the Minnesota Board, coordinated the examination which included a three-day site visit. The Board reviewed curriculum, field work and internship requirements. During the site visit, the Minnesota Board spoke to learners, faculty and alumni.

"Capella has raised the bar for all of the educational administration institutions in Minnesota with its levels of service, response to change and accessibility," Boehlke said. "The competencies that Capella has built into its program exceed Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium standards."

Coursework in the educational leadership master's, post-master's certificate, and doctoral programs is completed online. Students conduct field work and complete a 320-hour on-site internship while working with faculty who bring a combination of theoretical expertise and real-world experience to the courseroom.

"Learners love Capella because of its scholar/practitioner approach," said Rosine McGhee, a graduate of the program and principal of Mountain Elementary School, in Los Alamos, New Mexico. "The program is not purely theoretical---there is a very practical component that requires students to apply what they've learned. It truly prepared me for this work."

A recent study by the Education Research Service (ERS) estimated that more than 40 percent of public school principals will retire over the next 10 years. More than half of the school districts surveyed by the ERS have already reported a shortage of qualified candidates. Among the solutions identified at the National Conference of State Legislators on the issue of the shortage was an effort to decrease the gap between principal training and practice with an emphasis on developing critical competencies.

The convenient online format of Capella's program allows working adults to pursue graduate degrees with a community of professional peers and faculty experts. "Committed educators can work toward licensure while still fulfilling personal and professional obligations," said Phillip Corkill, Ph.D., Capella's internship supervisor and a former school district superintendent. "The curriculum is both rigorous and practical. It thoroughly prepares adult learners for today's administrative challenges."

"Throughout our history, Capella University has focused on making quality education more accessible to adult learners and more directly applicable to the learner's profession," Offerman said. Capella University offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs and certificates in the Schools of Education, Business, Technology, Human Services and Psychology.

Capella University was founded in 1993 for working adults and accredited in 1997 by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). Capella has developed a learning model that builds upon the experience and maturity of its learners and works around their busy lifestyles. By leveraging the power of the Internet, Capella has created vital connections between learners and expert faculty in a rich, interactive learning environment. Capella is a national leader in educational quality and one of the fastest growing e-learning institutions in the world serving more than 7,000 learners. For more information, visit our Web site at Click Here For Information! or call 1-888-CAPELLA.

For More Information
Amanda Alexander
Capella University
222 South 9^th Street
20^th Floor
Minneapolis, MN 55402
1-888-CAPELLA x5272
612.659.5272
aalexander@capella.edu