Student Achievement Impact: Analysis of Long-Term Effects of an Urban School-University Partnership on Student Learning

• In Event: Investigating the Impact of Professional Development School Partnerships as a Strategy for Reform and Renewal

Abstract

This study analyzes residual impact of involvement in a multi-year school-university partnership network on student achievement. The study specifically examines structures and professional development in P-12 public and private schools in an urban Professional Development School (PDS) setting. In addition to student performance on annual standardized tests, PDS impact on correlating factors such as school curricula, school leadership, professional development, and teacher retention are examined. The mixed method study is supported by prior data collected from 2005 – 2009 from participants in the Urban PDS Network, a partnership between DePaul and seven local public and private schools. Inclusion of private schools is unique to the PDS literature, and represents a connection to the national increase in school choice reform initiatives.

Authors

• Catherine Larsen, DePaul University

• Chris McCullough, Saint Xavier University