Criteria:

Should cut across all areas of the program - from capstone to courses

Should clearly demonstrate why this program is an EdD and not a PhD

Overarching themes:

1. Social justice theme, equity
2. Inquiry related to problems of practice
3. Collaboration
4. Multi-disciplinary
5. Stewardship

1. Professional practice doctorate engages learners in on-going inquiry into complex problems of practice in contextualized settings

2. Practitioners emerging from an effective Ed.D. program should demonstrate the collaboration, relationship building, critical thinking and communication skills needed to work successfully with other educational professionals, students, parents, and researchers.  This skill set should reflect the practitioner's knowledge of diversity issues, social justice, and the capabilities needed to work effectively with diverse populations.

3. An effective professional practice doctorate is grounded in a professional knowledge base that draws upon educational research, links theory with systematic and systemic inquiry, and applies this foundation to complex and situated practice.

4. An effective professional practice doctorate should include an assessment of students that is "authentic" in relation to program goals.  Students should have multiple opportunities to demonstrate the development of their inquiry, critical thinking, reflection and applied research skills, as well as their development of leadership capacity.

5. Effective professional practice doctorate programs operate as part of a larger social network that includes school districts, local foundations, businesses and civic organizations.

6. Effective professional practice doctorate programs examine critical questions of diversity, ethics, equity, and social justice in order to prepare educational leaders who can construct and apply knowledge to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals, families and communities.

7. Professional doctoral preparation provides opportunities to demonstrate collaboration relationship building and communication skills needed to work with diverse communities.

8. Professional doctoral preparation emphasizes the attainment and honing of thinking,  problem solving, and decision making skills

9. Professional doctoral preparation examines or advocates for critical questions of diversity, equity and social justice in order to prepare leaders who can improve educational systems

10. Professional doctoral preparation provides opportunities for learners to analyze problems of practice and use multiple frames to develop solutions to authentic educational problems