The Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) significantly reshaped the landscape of educational leadership preparation. Launched in 1985, its impact continues to be felt today. This in-depth look explores the project's goals, its influence on the EdD, and its lasting legacy on doctoral education in the field.
What was the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate?
The CPED was a landmark initiative that aimed to revitalize the Education Doctorate (EdD) degree. At the time, many EdDs were perceived as being too similar to PhDs, emphasizing research at the expense of practical application. The project challenged this paradigm, advocating for a distinct EdD focused on improving educational practice through scholarly inquiry and leadership development. They argued for a degree geared towards preparing educational leaders to tackle real-world challenges in schools and districts.
What were the key goals of the Carnegie Project?
The CPED's primary goals were multifaceted:
- Redefine the EdD: To distinguish the EdD from the PhD, emphasizing practical application of research to improve educational outcomes.
- Enhance leadership preparation: To cultivate educational leaders capable of addressing complex issues within diverse educational settings.
- Improve the quality of EdD programs: To raise standards and ensure rigorous preparation of future educational leaders.
- Promote scholarship of practice: To encourage a blend of rigorous research and practical experience in educational leadership.
What is the difference between a PhD and an EdD according to the Carnegie Project?
The CPED strongly advocated for a clear distinction between the PhD and the EdD. They envisioned the PhD as focused primarily on advancing educational theory through original research, contributing to the academic body of knowledge. The EdD, in contrast, was to be a practice-oriented degree, focusing on using research and scholarship to solve real-world problems in educational settings and improve educational leadership. This means the EdD emphasizes applied research and practical application, while the PhD prioritizes theoretical contributions and original research.
What are the critiques of the Carnegie Project?
While highly influential, the CPED wasn't without its critics. Some argued that the project's emphasis on practice sometimes led to a devaluation of rigorous research methodologies. Others questioned whether the distinction between the PhD and EdD was always clear-cut in practice. Concerns were also raised about the potential for a widening gap between research and practice.
What is the lasting impact of the Carnegie Project on Education Doctorate programs?
Despite these critiques, the CPED’s impact is undeniable. Many EdD programs today reflect the project’s emphasis on:
- Problem-focused research: Research directly addressing practical problems in education.
- Collaboration and partnerships: Working closely with schools and districts on research and implementation.
- Leadership development: Integrating leadership training into the curriculum.
- Action research: Engaging in research that directly informs and improves practice.
The Carnegie Project significantly elevated the status and relevance of the EdD, shaping it into the impactful degree it is today. While ongoing debates about the ideal balance between research and practice continue, the project's influence on preparing effective educational leaders is undeniable. Its legacy is a stronger, more relevant EdD that better serves the needs of the education profession.
