Perceptions of Directed Field Experience in a Midwest University’s Master of Science in School Leadership Degree Program

Abstract

University X offered a Master of Science in School Leadership with a required Directed Field Experience (DFE) that was aligned with the six Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) Standards as a condition of graduation. Prior to this study, no research had been conducted on the perceived usefulness of the DFE to meet ISLLC Standards. The purpose of this study was to examine graduates’ perceptions of the DFE portion of the MSSL degree program’s effectiveness for meeting the six ISLLC Standards. Each research question was aligned with a corresponding ISLLC Standard for vision, culture of learning, management, collaboration with families and communities, ethics, and context. The study employed a quantitative descriptive research design and a survey for data collection. Statistically significant findings indicated that participants perceived that the DFE adequately prepared them to meet each of the six ISLLC Standards. Study findings indicated that no changes were necessary in the MSSL DFE program to meet the ISLLC Standards. Based on these study findings, programs should be required to include a DFE as part of the program to improve the effectiveness of its graduates.