Distinguishing Features of the UNCW PDS:

Helping Sustain a Comprehensive Partnership Model

There are many important features that make the WSE Professional Development System partnership unique and sustainable. Below are a few examples of specific features that have helped build an exemplar program:

• Required cycle of field rotations for WSE faculty engaged in learning- centered supervision, curriculum and professional development, and/or research in PDS schools
  


• Cohort placements for UNCW students in field experiences and internships in PDS schools
  


• Emphasis on school system relationships acknowledging the school as the unit for analysis for school reform
  


• Partnership application process and required orientation/training for specific roles such as partnership teacher, site coordinator, university supervisor, etc.
  


• Focused emerging technology support for PDS schools and university faculty
  


• Regular site seminars focusing on instructional practices and the consequences of such practices on learning
  
  
• Master of School Administration (MSA) candidates placed in PDS schools to apply their training
  


• Many PDS P-12 educators recognized as extended faculty and parallel instructors at UNCW
  


• Support for UNCW faculty engaging in collaborative research and development efforts with PDS schools and their communities
  


• Collaborative on-site placement of interns involving PDS principals, site coordinators and university faculty