The Kansas Alliance of Professional Development Schools
The KU PDS School Alliance began in 1991 as a result of a national movement that encouraged and supported the partnering colleges and universities with districts and schools establishing which became known as Professional Development Schools (PDSs).
This unique and long-term relationship with specific school districts and school settings is designed to be mutually beneficial and is designed to address the needs of today’s diverse school settings with training and preparation of teacher candidates, the professional development of school personnel and university faculty with the over-arching goal of improving the academic achievement of all students.
KU PDS Alliance is guided by a common vision and mission of teaching and learning which is based on research and best practice, content and pedagogical knowledge and professionalism. All members within the partnership blend their experiences and expertise as well as resources to meet these shared goals.
The KU Professional development school partners work together over time, building relationships and commitment to their shared goals. They continually develop and seek new strategies, roles and relationships to support their work.
Teacher candidates from KU as well as other education majors have multiple opportunities to be engaged in a diverse setting, work collaboratively with their KU peers and professional colleagues at their school sites on matters that improve teaching, learning and student achievement.
Action Research remains a strong component for teacher candidates to collaboratively design a study, implement their project and share the results with their sites and peers that are based on the school’s school improvement plan and have academic implications for improving student achievement.
Currently, KU PDS has partnered with four school districts that represent seven distinct school sites.
