In this wide-ranging interview with Educational Leadership, Stanford University Professor of Education Linda Darling-Hammond discusses the kind of preparation and support new teachers need to survive their critical first years in the classroom. Among her central recommendations are more intensive mentoring that lasts through the first year of…

For the past decade, the teaching profession has been building a system of quality assurance incorporating seven elements: advanced certification, licensing standards, curriculum standards, alignment, accreditation, professional-development schools, and state standards boards. NCATE-accredited institutions produce more qualified teachers than…

The Colorado State University Professional Development School Partnership involves more than preparing preservice teachers to enter classrooms. The partnership aims to engage all teachers in inquiry into educational practices, professional- development activities, and exemplary instructional practices. Preservice, novice, and veteran teachers…

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…

Facing a new state mandate, Maryland teacher educators established a pilot professional development school (PDS) and achieved positive results with preservice teachers. The PDS internship was more effective than the regular program in preparing teacher candidates to maintain classroom discipline, use technology effectively for instruction, and…

An elementary education professor working in an urban professional development school in New Jersey explains how she helps student teachers apply learned concepts to school settings. PDSs provide ongoing exposure to practices and insights of educators experienced with working with children from diverse populations. The New Jersey PDS breaks down…

A look inside a professional development school based in Fort Collins, Colorado, shows how an innovative, observation-and-feedback approach to teacher training is enhancing the teaching and learning experience of all participants--university faculty, high school faculty, and teacher candidates. Participants' strong commitment has arisen from the…

The Jefferson County (Kentucky) Public Schools have a long-term plan for "inventing" schools that will offer excellent programs for students, induct new faculty members, and serve as "exemplars of practice." (Author/TE)