Introduction

The School of Education at Seattle Pacific University is committed to a conceptual framework for its professional education programs that centers on four essential commitments of educators: service, leadership, competence and character. The conceptual framework for the programs of the School of Education provides an outline for operationalizing the mission of the University and of the School of Education, forms the basis for program and course planning decisions for faculty, and provides an explanation of the direction and goals of courses and programs to students and external audiences. The commitments of the conceptual framework are:

• articulated by periodic review and adoption involving faculty, members of the educational community, students, and staff;
• under girded by and aligned with the university and School mission statements and educational research;
• disseminated in a ten-point process inside and outside the School of Education;
• demonstrated by candidates in the various elements of their programs: foundational studies, professional studies, specialization, and professional experience;
• and based on ongoing research on trends and practices in the field.