Simultaneous Renewal Through Professional Development School Partnerships

Abstract

The authors describe the premises, processes used, and outcomes of a K-16 simultaneous renewal model, as implemented through the Kansas Sate University Professional Development School Partnership Project. The goal of this partnership is to improve K-12 teaching and learning while improving a university teacher-preparation program through collaboration between university faculty and multiple-partner district administrators and teachers. Because of their experiences, the authors believe that teacher education and K-12 student learning can be enhanced by establishing a culture of collaboration, inquiry, and continuous growth, supported by multifaceted program assessments, professional development, and a mindset that all K-16 educators are responsible for one another's students. Two major conclusions emerged from this analysis of K-16 simultaneous renewal: (a) significant educational change requires extensive and continuous time, resources, professional development, and implementation support across systems involved and (b) K-12 students must be placed at the center of any teacher-education initiatives.

Keywords:

• K-12 teaching and learning
• professional development school partnerships
• simultaneous renewal
• university teacher-preparation program