Summary to date

I've been to a few conferences, and I've found that a clear and focused understanding of why one is attending the conference makes it more likely for one to bring home ideas that can be implemented. As a participant in the upcoming conference, I offer this summary of our current discussions so that it can guide our information gathering while at the conference. Please make comments to continue clarifying our mission! I would really like to see this project take flight.

MISSION: To create a strong and viable PDS in River Falls.

PRIMARY BENEFITS:

For Student participants

- More time spent on the art and the possibilities of teaching and less on navigating climate and procedural information

- Surrounded in proximity by other students in the same process – fosters a community of student learners supporting and encouraging each other

For River Falls MS/HS

- The ability to tie-in to University expertise in content areas and in current research

- Ability to see technology and current/innovative teaching methods first-hand via demonstrations or in student-teacher methods

- Breaking down silos

For University

- A means by which to attract passionate students to the education program at the secondary level

- A way to understand the current educational and other needs of secondary students so as to guide the instruction of student teachers to meet those needs

- A venue for practical application for the student teacher

- Breaking down silos

In creating this PDS, a strong professional bridge will connect the University, the Student Teachers involved in the PDS, and the High School and Middle School.

Our PDS description:

- Big idea: Innovation

- Incorporates Effective Technology

- Includes the Communication of Creative and Critical Practice for high Student Engagement

- Includes Personalized Learning: for University students and for MMS/RFHS students

- Includes a way to assess and evaluate our effectiveness

Some ideas as to how this could work:

- PT3 Grant similarity?

- Use teacher education classes for PDS students (special section) spend mornings in the schools, then connect to the university classroom.

- Mentor for overall program. 50% release for university personnel and school personnel. In the building presence, visibility, in the schools.

Purpose of PDS conference:

- To learn by the experiences of others: What works, what doesn’t with regard to Marketing, Financing, Organization, Scheduling, Other?

- To offer ideas for “catchy umbrella titles” that fit River Falls' focus points

- To create relationships that will encourage the development of our PDS

- To bring these ideas home for further study, which will then lead to implementation