George Mason University's Elementary PDS Program: Embracing Innovation (original) (raw)

The Elementary Education program at George Mason University (Mason) is rooted in research and theory on effective teacher preparation (AACTE, 2010, 2011; Council of Chief State School Officers, 2012; Hammerness, Darling-Hammond, Grossman, Rust, & Shulman, 2005; Zeichner & Conklin, 2008); guided by national teacher education standards (CCSSO, 2011; NCATE, 2000); and embedded within inquiry and ongoing, rich collaboration with partner schools. The Mason Elementary PDS Network (PDS Network), a multi-district network of clinical field sites, embraces collaboration with key stakeholders as a means to broaden its impact on the education profession and the larger community. Noted as a fundamental component to quality partnerships, we underscore our network in collaborative partnerships initiated by the school, school community, and university. Specifically, the mission of our PDS Network is to take joint responsibility for teacher preparation, faculty development, enhanced student learning...