PDSs are established in the specialties of early childhood education, elementary education, secondary education, and special education. Eleven separate PDS clusters, involving over 50 individual public schools and three departments in the College of Education, are currently implementing a variety of PDS models, varying in their details, but each sharing a commitment to excellence according to the standards developed by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).

Each PDS cluster is governed by a Coordinating Council comprising representatives from each stockholder, and each is guided by jointly developed memoranda of understanding (MOU) signed by administrators from each partner. Costs for each partnership are shared between the partners, utilizing line-item budgeted funds from each partner as well as grant funds jointly solicited from MSDE.

Responsibility for placements, mentoring and performance assessment of teacher candidates is shared by College and school-based professionals. Staff development for teachers is jointly planned and implemented. Research and inquiry projects are developed by school- and campus-based teams, and protocols are in place for facilitation of basic and action research in the schools. School personnel are actively involved in initial design as well as ongoing evaluation and modification of the campus-based curriculum.

For additional information, contact Dr. David H. Cooper, Director of Professional Development Schools, or the appropriate department:

Early Childhood Education: Department of Human Development

Elementary Education: Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Secondary Education: Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Special Education: Department of Special Education.

MSDE PDS Standards