Directions for: Critical Key Assessment/Portfolio Assignment
Candidates will complete a Case Study Analysis based upon
one of the following:
Johnson, O. A. (2020). Losing STEAM: A Case Study of Failure in School Reform.
The Journal of Cases in Educational Leadership,
23(2), 60–69.
to an external site.
Balkcom, C., Faaborg, A., Graham, F., McClure, A., & Terwilliger, S. (2025). When Girl Drama Goes Viral: A Case Study in Freedom of Speech.
Journal of Cases in Educational Leadership,
28(3), 46–59.
to an external site.
Case Study Analysis
Title Section: Introduction (1-2 pages)
As with any paper provide an introduction. The introduction sets the paper up and tells your reader what you will be doing in the paper. Candidates will include a brief statement of the issues that the case study covers and the various parts/steps you will cover throughout the paper. Research cited should be from the Journal of Cases in Educational Leadership, course readings, and scholarly research articles.
Title Section: Summary of the Case (2-3 pages)
Understanding and/or stating the problem – Candidates will describe the
situation of the case, including the problem context and problem statement(s) and the
exploratory question(s) that the author is investigating in the case. Research cited should be from the Journal of Cases in Educational Leadership, course readings, and scholarly research articles. The main points and critical issues of the case should be briefly described and summarized; critical details should be synthesized in a way that reflects your individual interpretation:
· What is/are the primary problem(s)?
· Identify and assess the key challenges and emerging trends that contribute to the primary problem(s).
· Include an exploration of the political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context with implications.
· Discuss the necessary advocacy required for stakeholders.
· Provide an analysis of the ethical issue(s) associated with these problems.
· Provide supporting details/evidence from the case.
Title Section: Frameworks for Analysis (2-3 pages)
Candidates will use their experience, research, and class readings and discussions to inform, formulate and/or identify possible approaches or frames from which to analyze the case:
· What research, course readings, and other framing concepts could be utilized in analyzing the problem(s).
· Use at least 2 perspectives/frames and compare different case understandings.
· Analyze the components of the case for the reader by applying research and other concepts drawn from class readings and discussions, as well as your knowledge base as an experienced practitioner.
Title Section: Goals, Challenges, Potential Outcomes, and Consequences (1-2 pages)
Candidates will use their perspective as a school site leader to:
· Analyze and evaluate how the leader developed and implemented their plan to solve the problem.
· Offer recommendations on how you might improve the leader’s response(s) to the problem(s).
Title Section: Leadership Lessons (1-2 pages)
In this section, self-reflect on the leadership lessons from the Case Study Analysis and apply them to your own district. Your reflection should also include the use of effective resources: human, financial, and technological. You will also discuss leadership lessons about the creation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning as well as effective curriculum and instructional programming.
Title Section: Conclusion (1-2 pages)
In your conclusion, summarize the main points made throughout the paper, reiterate key arguments, main takeaways, and address any new questions that may arise out of the findings of your Case Study Analysis.
Writing/Grammar/References using APA style
· Technical writing and grammar are both accurate and compelling
· Paper shows strong evidence of editing and proofreading
· Citations within the text are accurate and consistent with APA
· References need to be complete, comprehensive, and consistent with APA
·
MUST use both course-assigned textbooks as references in research paper
·
MUST include 3-5 academic, peer-reviewed articles as references in research paper
