Discusses the professional development school (PDS), a collaborative effort between universities and schools designed to reform classroom teacher education. Indicates that the restructured practicum experience allows students to utilize their theories about teaching and problem solving with a live audience before they start teaching. Describes one…

The roles of clinical professors in the professional development school component of the preservice program at Indiana State University are described in terms of four strategies: building infrastructure, establishing trust, implementation, and evaluation. Early undergraduate field experiences are the focus of the discussion. (IAH)

Addresses issues related to the need for and development of standards for Professional Development Schools (PDSs), describing the work of the PDS Standards Field-Test Project (operating under the auspices of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education). The paper discusses what PDS work is, characteristics of PDS work, conditions…

Southeast Missouri State University has collaborative partnerships with local school districts and Professional Development Schools. This article reviews the partnership processes and describes challenges experienced by both the university and the schools related to communication among partners, availability of physical space, university faculty…

Investigated what a diverse group of students in grades four through eight thought about the teaching and learning occurring in their Professional Development School (PDS). Surveys and focus-group discussions indicated that students had an overall good feeling about the PDSs, and the PDSs had a positive impact. Students made suggestions about how…

The proportion of time that teacher candidates in field-experience programs spent on eight types of classroom tasks was examined for two field-experience programs that differed in constancy of placement. In both programs, teacher candidates spent most of their time on clerical tasks and little time on whole-class teaching (their most valued task).…

Reports case studies of 10 partnerships in middle school level professional development schools that either moved apart or reconfigured their relationships over time. Written materials from, interviews with, and observations of partners indicated that though most succeeded, they needed better communication between partners to maximize their…

The University of Southern Maine's Extended Teacher Education Program includes an intensive, year-long internship for liberal arts graduates located at an innovative professional development school. The internship is linked with five Maine school districts participating in the Southern Maine Partnership. Interns must meet 11 standards and prepare…

Describes research by a Professional Development School (PDS) partnership which examined various aspects of the partnership and its effectiveness. Data were collected from participants from 17 PDS sites using the Interview Design Process. Findings, which were consistent with previous research, emphasized professional learning communities,…

Investigated student and cooperating teachers' experiences within traditional and Professional Development School (PDS) programs, analyzing their attitudes regarding problems, benefits, and program components. Participants encountered similar problems. Differences emerged in how programs provided support and guidance. Program features contributed…

Presents one teacher educator's reflections on working in a Professional Development School (PDS) for 5 years, discussing changes in his work; the value of the teacher educator's PDS role; involvement with real school issues; becoming a mentor; expanding the professional circle; personal satisfaction with PDS work; and the viability of the PDS…

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education developed draft standards for Professional Development Schools (PDSs). This article discusses the PDS concept and origins, examines why PDSs are important, and argues for standards as a means of supporting the PDS work and holding PDSs accountable for multiple results. The draft standards…

Examines findings of Professional Development School (PDS) researchers on the potential of PDSs to change and improve the quality of education, discussing Holmes Group research, describing barriers that have limited the contribution from PDS research, and arguing for greater focus on professional development, leadership, and policy if the PDS…

Examines two approaches to teacher education reform: (1) decentralization and (2) a national bureaucratic strategy to adopt uniform standards for teacher accreditation, mandate curricular requisites, and legislate policies governing teacher professional development. The paper explains that teacher education must prepare teachers to work in the…

Describes the design and implementation of Professional Development School partnerships between a university and three urban public schools intended to prepare future teachers for tomorrow's diverse students. Explains how the partnership initiated, built, and enhanced relationships and notes common elements found among the three schools (shared…