Stages of Preservice Development in a Professional Development School for Teachers of Students with Emotional Disturbance

This study was designed to identify and describe the stages of preservice development in a Professional Development School (PDS) for teachers of students with emotional disturbance. This study investigated two questions: (a) How does a preservice teacher for students with serious emotional disturbance in a one year full time PDS progress through a series of developmental stages, and (b) what are the opportunities that contribute to the learning of the preservice teacher in a PDS? This was a qualitative study in which seven data sources from preservice teachers were collected over a nine-month period. These included videotaped teaching episodes, informal and formal interviews, conversations in weekly seminars, significant others in training interviews, journals, and statements of teaching philosophy. Based on the emergent themes that this data generated, a theoretical model of preservice teacher development was constructed. Confidence, fear, caution and competence are the four stages identified in A Model for Preservice Teacher Development. Sixteen opportunities for preservice teacher learning in a PDS environment were described. The researcher\u27s daily presence at the PDS accounted for the richness of the data. Implications were made for further research and practice. Recommendations for teacher education reform using PDS models were delineated

School Enrichment: An Investigation of the Degree, Impact, and Factors for Success in Colorado

School enrichment is efficient for 4-H in reaching diverse youth in large numbers. But to what degree are agents utilizing school enrichment efforts? What is the impact of these efforts? And what are the factors for success? This article describes a sample of school enrichment activities occurring across the state of Colorado. The research represents the experiences of 20 Extension agents who conduct school enrichment programs. Recommendations for further study are proposed