Professional Development Within the Professional Development School: Making It Happen and Gaining Momentum

• In Event: Studying Practices That Promote Professional Learning in Professional Development School Partnerships

Abstract

In this mixed methods study, researchers analyze the effectiveness of a series of professional development sessions focused on furthering language and literacy practices within two professional development school sites. Grounded in the framework of teachers as transformative intellectuals and the intellectual capital gains possible within PDS partnerships, the paper describes the changing educational landscape that called for new initiatives to engage teachers as learners within the PDS including new standards, new teacher evaluations, and increased populations of English Language Learners. Conclusions indicate that a focus on professional development within the PDS can build a community of learners amongst teachers, can increase participation in other PDS initiatives, and can further the classroom practices of teachers.

Authors

• Katherine Egan Cunningham, Manhattanville College

• Diane W. Gomez, Manhattanville College