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