School Business Management

Course Details

Course Number: 5643  Section Number: 170

Fall 2010

Location: Ferguson Hall

Classroom Number: 303

Days & Times:

Mondays- 5:30-8:20 PM.

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. David Barbosa   
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Course Objectives

1.2 b. Candidates demonstrate the ability to use data-based research strategies and strategic planning processes that focus on student learning to inform the development of a vision, drawing on relevant information sources such as student assessment results, student and family demographic data and an analysis of community needs.

1.2 c. Candidates demonstrate the ability to communicate the vision to staff, parents, students, and community members through the use of symbols, ceremonies, stories, and other activities.

1.3 b. Candidates design or adopt a system for using data-based research strategies to regularly monitor, evaluate, and revise the vision.

3.1 a. Candidates demonstrate the ability to optimize the learning environment for all students by applying appropriate models and principals of organizational development and management, including research and data driven decision-making with attention to indicators of equity, effectiveness and efficiency.

3.1 b. Candidates develop plans of action for focusing on effective organization and management of fiscal, human, and material resources, giving priority to student learning, safety, curriculum and instruction.

3.1 c.  Candidates demonstrate an ability to manage time effectively and deploy financial and human resources in ways that promote student achievement.

3.2 a. Candidates demonstrate the ability to involve staff in conducting operations and setting priorities using appropriate and effective needs assessment, research-based data, and group process skills to build consensus, communicate and resolve conflicts in order to align resources with the organizational vision.

3.2 c. Candidates demonstrate an understanding of how to apply legal principles to promote educational equity and provide safe, effective, and efficient facilities.

3.3 a. Candidates use problem-solving skills and knowledge of strategic, long-range, and operational planning (including applications of technology) in the effective, legal, and equitable use of fiscal, human and material resource allocation and alignment that focuses on teaching and learning.

3.3 b. Candidates creatively seek new resources to facilitate learning.

3.3 c. Candidates apply and assess current technologies for school management, business procedures and scheduling.

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.5.2 a. Candidates demonstrate the ability to combine impartiality, sensitivity to student diversity, and ethical considerations in their interactions with others.

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6.1 d. Candidates demonstrate an understanding of the policies, laws, and regulations enacted by local, state, and federal authorities that affect schools, especially those that might improve educational and social opportunities.

6.1 e. Candidates demonstrate the ability to describe the economic factors shaping a local community and the effects economic factors have on local schools.

6.3 b. Candidates apply their understanding of the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context to develop activities and policies that benefit students and their families.

6.3 c. Candidates advocate for policies and programs that promote equitable learning opportunities and success for all students, regardless of socioeconomic background, ethnicity, gender, disability, or other individual characteristics.

 


Course Expectations

1.      Class Participation.  Students are expected to read assigned materials and be prepared to discuss topics in class.  Students may miss 1 class with no penalty.  A second absence will lower the earned grade by one letter.  A third absence will lower the earned grade by two letters.  If a class must be missed for a legitimate reason, please advise professor in advance.

2.      Chapter Summaries/Reflections.  Students will submit a written summary and reflection of selected chapters of the primary class textbook:  Money and Schools.

3.      Mid-Term Research Paper.  Students will submit a research paper on a topic pertinent to the business operations of a public school district.  The paper should have at least three (3) current sources germane to the chosen topic.  The paper must be a minimum of five (5) double-spaced pages utilizing APA style format.  Possible Topics are:

·         Money saving measures while maintaining quality education

·         Equity and adequacy in a school finance system

·         Distributing state funds to local school districts

·         The Texas Foundation School Program

·         Court cases impacting public school funding in the State of Texas

·         Overseeing student activity funds

·         Purchasing procedures in public education

·         Risk management programs in public education

·         Employee benefit programs in school districts

·         Facilities, maintenance, and custodial operations in public schools

·         Financing special education programs

·         Design and construction of a new school

·         Recruitment and retention of school personnel

·         Does money make a difference in the delivery of educational services?

·         Merit pay for teaching staff

·         The fiscal impact of No Child Left Behind

(Topic to be approved by professor) 

Students will be required to present a 10 minute overview of their research paper to classmates.

4.      Students are to form learning communities comprised of a minimum three members.  Each learning community will conduct an in-depth study of a pertinent school finance issue.  The study will result in an “engaging” one hour multi-media presentation to the class.  (Topic to be approved by professor.)

5.      A final exam will be given consisting of true/false, multiple choice, short answer and/or essay questions.


Final Exam12/6/2010  5:30 P.M.

Submission Format Policy

Submittal of all assignments is not sufficient for an A in the course. Quality of work is carefully reviewed. Correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling are expected in written assignments. Written assignments can be submitted in emails to the professor's email address. Due dates for various assignments and projects will be determined collaboratively by the class. Assignments submitted after the due dates will not be accepted.



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

See above.


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

See requirements


Other Policies

Plagiarism Statement:

 “By enrolling in this course, the student expressly grants MSU a “limited right” in all intellectual property created by the student for the purpose of this course.  The “limited right” shall include but shall not be limited to the right to reproduce the student’s work product in order to verify originality, authenticity and educational purposes.”  (MSU Student Handbook)

 

ADA Statement:

MSU does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s disability and complies with Section 504 and Public Law 101-33b (Americans with Disabilities Act) in its admissions, accessibility, treatment and employment of individuals in its programs and activities.

 

The designated liaison for MSU is Debra Higginbotham, Director of Disability Services, and can be found in the Clark Student Center, Room 168,  (940) 397-4120.

 

It is the responsibility of the student to inform the course instructor of any disabling condition requiring modifications.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.