Professional development laboratory: center for literacy and community services

Abstract

We developed three Professional Development Laboratories: Centers for Literacy and Community Services that addressed four pressing needs in the current urban school crisis: the preparation of in-service teachers to be literacy specialists, the dire need for qualified teachers in urban settings, the professional development of uncertified urban teachers, and the literacy needs of the children and families these teachers serve. These centers were housed in three inner-city schools rather than at the university and thus were able to serve larger numbers of children. Since many of the teachers in these schools are novice or uncertified teachers, we offered on-site in-service courses in order to enhance their ability to help their students. By housing the Centers for Literacy and Community Services on site in the schools, we sought to reach students and families who might otherwise not be able to avail themselves of these services. Unique to this project was that our graduate literacy education students tutored students on site in schools, the university faculty worked alongside the graduate students, and both students and faculty provided services to enhance the professional development of teachers and administrators in the area of literacy. Additionally, this project was distinguished by the inclusion of a component designed to provide literacy education services to the families and caregivers of the children.

Notes

Carole S. Rhodes, Ph.D., is a Professor and Literacy Education Program Director at Queens College, City University of New York. She has received numerous awards, grants, and recognition for her work with children, parents, and graduate and undergraduate teacher education students. She is the author of dozens of articles, book chapters, and several books. She is a sought-after presenter and workshop speaker.

Lori Berman Wolf, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Literacy Education at Adelphi University where she teaches graduate courses such as Literacy and Culture and Assessing and Addressing Literacy Needs. Dr. Wolf devotes considerable time to research in inner-city schools. She has written several articles and presented at many national and international professional conferences.

Greg J. Rhodes, MPA, is involved in efforts to attain medical and ancillary benefits for poor families. He has served as the project's critical friend and evaluator. He is currently researching bioethics and its implications both from a humanistic and public policy perspective.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Carole S. Rhodes

Carole S. Rhodes, Ph.D., is a Professor and Literacy Education Program Director at Queens College, City University of New York. She has received numerous awards, grants, and recognition for her work with children, parents, and graduate and undergraduate teacher education students. She is the author of dozens of articles, book chapters, and several books. She is a sought-after presenter and workshop speaker. Lori Berman Wolf, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Literacy Education at Adelphi University where she teaches graduate courses such as Literacy and Culture and Assessing and Addressing Literacy Needs. Dr. Wolf devotes considerable time to research in inner-city schools. She has written several articles and presented at many national and international professional conferences. Greg J. Rhodes, MPA, is involved in efforts to attain medical and ancillary benefits for poor families. He has served as the project's critical friend and evaluator. He is currently researching bioethics and its implications both from a humanistic and public policy perspective.