University and School Connections

A volume in Research in Professional Development SchoolsSeries Editors: Irma N. Guadarrama, University of Houston, John M. Ramsey, University of Houston and Janice L. Nath, University of Houston-DowntownThe need for strengthening the connections between university-based teacher education programs an [...]
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A volume in Research in Professional Development SchoolsSeries Editors: Irma N. Guadarrama, University of Houston, John M. Ramsey, University of Houston and Janice L. Nath, University of Houston-DowntownThe need for strengthening the connections between university-based teacher education programs and schools has neverbeen greater in an era where standards and accountability systems often play centric roles in practically all aspects of theeducation field. Within this context, university educators and school practitioners have increasingly focused their attentionon how professional development schools produce the multiplicity of outcomes that address the exigencies of qualityprograms for educating teachers and improving school achievement. In keeping with the mission of producing a collectionof papers that inform, enlighten, and motivate readers, Volume 3 of the Professional Development Schools book seriesprovides practitioners and researchers with articles on a substantial variety of themes on the most recent developments ofthe field. Among the thematic threads that organize Volume 3 are 1) using the national standards to examine and evaluatePDSs; 2) implementation, development and leadership issues relevant to beginning and experienced PDSs; 3) usinginnovative means for student assessments and mentoring in preservice education within a PDS context; 4) the impact ofPDSs on teacher education and student achievement; and 5) cases of PDSs and the value of lessons learned. Volume 3 is similar to the previous two volumes in that itincludes both practitioner and researcher strands, however, the authors in the current volume carry a sense of maturity and exudes a tone of confidence in their voice.Professional development schools research is an important aspect of teacher education. The collection of articles in Volume 3 contribute to our understanding of theiressential qualities and offer assurance that innovation, change, and quality are building blocks in professional development schools.