The Assessment Snapshots digital resource is a current project to support academic learning about assessment by diffusing knowledge and understanding of locally contextualised good practice in assessment at the University of Western Sydney. An initial collection of Snapshots was made available to academic staff on the university web site in early…

The use of content-based language instruction (CBI) offers an innovative and effective method for teaching core geographic concepts and skills while students study a second language. This article focuses on a collaborative initiative developed and tested by university and high school level geography and second-language educators. The goal of the…

A Number of good ideas can help improve the achievement of low-performing students and close the achievement gap, including determining the placement of veteran teachers, purchasing new curricula, and providing after-school tutoring. However, it is the teacher--and what the teacher does in the classroom--that makes the most difference for…

Collaborative efforts by Texas Tech University (TTU) and the Lubbock Independent School District (ISD) resulted in an innovative program to improve the preparation of secondary-level preservice teachers in social studies. The program is grounded in the realities of the social studies classroom. Students are organized by teaching field in a…

Five programatic considerations controlled by teacher educators which form the basis of a progressive model of teacher education are identified and discussed: curriculum articulation, instructional modeling, assessment intervals, personalized guidance, and professional development schools. (IAH)

One of five articles in the second section, "Deepening Relationships through PDS Brings Change in Practice," this article discusses a course on portfolios for middle school teachers at a professional development school given by an Indiana State University professor. Presents teachers' insights and feelings about the course. (SM)

Examines how student teachers' roles are changing in Professional Development Schools (PDSs), focusing on three major influences of PDSs on the multiple roles of teacher education students: quality teaching and assessment for all students; extended school-based internships; and changing roles through changing expectations. Results of research on…

Investigated the impact of Professional Development School (PDS) activities on elementary student writing and mathematics achievement (using collaborative teacher research) after 2 years of school and university researcher participation, describing processes and outcomes of two PDS writing and mathematics skills programs. Focus group interviews…

Discusses the role of standards, assessment, and program evaluation in the University of Southern Maine's Professional Development School (PDS) model. University and PDS faculty support standards-based assessment that is integral to the one-year graduate teaching internship and preparation program. Evidence indicates that shared responsibility for…

The Norwood-University of Southern California Professional Practice School (PPS) project began in 1990-1991. Norwood is an inner-city elementary school in Los Angeles with a student population that is 99 percent Hispanic. Initial efforts to achieve a major project goal--to promote professionalization of teachers--focused on building collegial…

This paper presents a case study of a collaboration between the St. Louis (Missouri) Public Schools and Maryville University (Missouri) to develop an early childhood magnet center and professional development school (PDS), the Wilkinson Early Childhood Magnet School. This school serves a diverse population of children from age 3 through second…

What does it mean to be good at history? At certain times during their formal education students seem to be required to adjust their understanding of what studying history entails. Alan Booth writes from the viewpoint of a university tutor. He has collated "student voice" on the experience of studying history at university and contrasted…