Students benefit most when educational leaders are actively engaged in shaping teaching practices and curriculum goals. All educational administrators, from principals to district leaders, play a major role in overseeing learning outcomes, student services and the alignment of instructional objectives.
The Master of Science in Education (MSE) in Educational Leadership Online from Arkansas State University (A-State) equips aspiring leaders with essential skills in areas like curriculum management, educational administration and promoting inclusivity. These skills are developed by delivering carefully curated content in courses such as Curriculum Management and Leading School Improvement.
The Significance of Curriculum Management
Curriculum management is at the heart of educational leadership. Those with well-developed curriculum management skills know how to ensure instructional programs are cohesive, relevant and aligned with learning standards. According to The Principal’s Playbook, “Curriculum leadership involves working with multiple people to ensure that the curriculum is aligned both horizontally and vertically.” This includes creating a vision for learning outcomes and guiding teachers to meet these goals effectively. Strong curriculum leaders assess and refine programs to meet diverse student needs, considering both subject-specific goals and cross-curricular competencies.
Educational leaders trained in curriculum management are well versed in organizing professional development for teachers, selecting and organizing content, reviewing instructional materials and employing strategies to promote equity and inclusivity. Courses like Elementary and Secondary School Curriculum at A-State equip students with these foundational skills and more, preparing them to take on the multifaceted responsibilities of overseeing instructional programs at both the elementary and secondary school levels.
Supporting Teaching and Learning Objectives
The effectiveness of curriculum leadership largely depends on an administrator’s ability to support teaching and learning objectives. According to EdElements, successful instructional leaders prioritize ongoing support for teachers by offering professional development opportunities, clear implementation plans and consistent, individualized feedback mechanisms.
Administrators can use tools such as Learning Management Systems (LMS) and data analytics to monitor progress and identify areas that need special attention. By monitoring student tracking of student progress, educators can make changes in real time to strengthen problem areas.
Improving Student Outcomes Through Curriculum Alignment
Aligning curriculum with institutional goals and standards directly impacts student outcomes. Proper alignment ensures students receive consistent, high-quality instruction across classrooms and grade levels. According to Indeed, the key skills for school administrators include leadership, communication, organization, creativity and delegation. Educational leaders must use these skills to balance various concerns — such as curriculum development, teacher evaluations and student performance metrics — to measure the impact of their curriculum and ensure they align with the overall goals of the organization.
Measuring curriculum alignment also addresses achievement gaps, promoting equitable access to educational opportunities. Educational leaders trained in alignment strategies can guide schools in developing consistent learning objectives and assessment standards. A-State’s Leading School Improvement course looks at the qualities and characteristics of a successful leader and teaches research and evaluation strategies to make their programs more impactful.
Promoting Equity and Inclusivity
Equity and inclusivity are integral to modern educational leadership. In fact, a 2022 study published by Edweek Research Centre found that academic performance gaps widened during the pandemic. Specifically, 65% of educators surveyed highlighted greater disparities between low- and high-income students and 47% noted similar trends between students of color and their white peers. To be most effective, leaders must ensure they meet the needs of all students, including those from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
By promoting equity, administrators help eliminate barriers to academic success. This might include revising curricula to include diverse perspectives, implementing differentiated instruction strategies or fostering inclusive school cultures. A-State’s training in curriculum management covers these principles, equipping educators to create inclusive and supportive learning environments.
Educational Administration as a Framework for Leadership
Educational administration is the “management of a school system. It involves providing leadership for the education of students, developing curricula, implementing assessments and managing human and material resources to achieve specific goals.” Leaders trained in this field must navigate complex challenges such as budget management, teacher recruitment and policy implementation, while focusing on student outcomes.
The MSE in Educational Leadership prepares students to excel in these areas through advanced coursework and practical applications. Graduates emerge with a comprehensive understanding of how educational administration intersects with curriculum management, enabling them to drive meaningful improvements across their schools.
Improving Educational Outcomes Through Leadership
Educational leadership — especially in curriculum management — is key to student success. By focusing on curriculum alignment, inclusivity and the integration of student services, administrators can create effective and equitable learning environments.
The online Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership program at A-State provides aspiring leaders the skills they need to navigate these complex responsibilities. With training in areas like curriculum leadership and educational administration, graduates are well equipped to transform educational practices and improve student outcomes.
Learn more about A-State’s online MSE in Educational Leadership program.