University News
IBHE Funds WIU Grant Project for Improving Teacher Quality
March 29, 2007
MACOMB, IL -- The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) approved a No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act grant for Western Illinois University and five other Illinois universities and colleges at its March 27 meeting.
Western's project, "Developing a Successful PDS [Professional Development School] – A TIERED Process" has received $325,000 from the IBHE's NCLB-Improving Teacher Quality State Grant Program. According to Donna McCaw, project director and associate professor of educational leadership at WIU, the program will create partnerships with seven western Illinois public schools to provide professional development opportunities in math and science for teachers of grades fifth through 12th. During tier one of the project, teachers will receive 40 hours of professional development in earth sciences with math and technology integrated into the training, according to McCaw.
Participating schools include Neponset (IL) Community Consolidated District No. 307; Kewanee (IL) District No. 229; Kewanee Wethersfield; Sherrard (IL) Matherville Intermediate and Sherrard High School; United Township High School District, East Moline (IL); and East Moline K-8 District.
"This project builds upon the successful science and math professional development model that Dr. McCaw has directed over the last three years," said COEHS Dean Bonnie Smith-Skripps. "The continued FY07 IBHE funding demonstrates their positive evaluation of her work and furthers our initiative in teacher/education leader preparation."
Following the initial 40-hour professional development training, teachers will teach during a week-long Math and Science Academy, which will be held at Kewanee High School during the summer months for invited students.
"The teachers will team-teach under the observation of their building administrator and a University faculty member, and will receive feedback as part of the experience," McCaw explained.
Administrators will also receive training in research-based practices for teacher observation and evaluation. Throughout the year, teachers will participate in lesson study teams, with teams creating lessons, observing team members' classrooms and conducting demonstration lessons.
Tier two of the project builds upon the first phase by allowing the teachers to begin researching and developing a professional development school framework for their respective school. The final phase, tier three, will build upon the implementation of the Professional Development Model and will research its effectiveness through follow-up with graduates and teachers.
"We're excited about receiving the grant from the IBHE to establish this program," McCaw said. "This program will not only enhance the University's teacher education preparation program, but also will provide a valuable resource to students and teachers in the partnership districts."
For more information on "Developing a Successful PDS – A TIERED Process," contact McCaw at 309/298-1776 or e-mail s-mccaw@wiu.edu.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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