The many branches of the ACE program are continuously expanding, providing new and innovative ways to serve Catholic schools and the ACE Leadership Program is no exception. We are delighted to announce that the ALP is now host to the newest Master Degree at the University of Notre Dame. Those who participate in this program will now receive a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Educational Administration. Academic Council formally approved the degree on November 2, 2006.
The ACE Leadership Program began in 2002 as an extension of the ACE Program. Led by Rev. Ronald J. Nuzzi, Ph.D. the program has provided Catholic schools across the country with dedicated and professional administrators, fostering school community, and promoting spiritual formation. It is the largest Catholic school principal preparation program in the country.
Participants in the ALP engage in three summers of coursework at Notre Dame and an administrative internship at a Catholic school. Participants will also conduct a school-based action research project as part of their course of study, helping to identify, analyze, and address specific needs at their schools. Those who have already completed the program (ALP cohorts 1-5), and have received their licensure, are being invited back to campus to complete additional coursework if they wish to earn their degree. Previous program completers may do this in summer 2007 or 2008.
Individuals across the country have submitted their applications to participate in the newest cohort, and those accepted will be arriving on campus in June to begin their coursework. With the development of the new degree, the ALP has also added a new, full-time faculty member to its qualified and highly regarded staff. Jim Frabutt was a 1995 graduate of Notre Dame and has returned to South Bend with his family to join the ALP team. He earned his Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro. Jim will be teaching educational research and methodology and will direct the action research projects.
For those interested in learning more about the ACE Leadership Program, please visit their website at http://ace.nd.edu/alp.