College of Education

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Collaborative Processes of a Professional Development School Partnership
(2008-05-01) Via, Teresa Ann; Mawhinney, Hanne B; Education Policy, and Leadership; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)
This qualitative case study examined collaborative processes in the Professional Development School (PDS). Although central to successful PDSs, collaboration in PDS development and maintenance is not yet fully described. This study examined one Maryland PDS Partnership that included participants from one university, one suburban school district, and three elementary school sites. PDS participants described collaboration throughout PDS development and maintenance. The study's findings provide detailed descriptions and indicate focal points when participants commented most frequently about each collaboration process. Central to PDS collaboration are the people and how they are involved in the Partnership. Collaboration is embedded in decision making, communication, and, ultimately, reform. Leaders may find further examination of collaboration beneficial in promoting PDS goals. This study's findings suggest that there is a connection between the participants' perceptions of collaboration and their PDS involvement. Suggestions for future research include exploring ways to educate PDS participants about the collaboration process.