Innovation at Bradley University: PDS Partnership
The Innovations Inventory of AACTE’s Innovation Exchange is an online database highlighting members’ pioneering practices in educator preparation that have shown a positive impact on issues of student learning, preparation program advancement, or educator workforce needs. This blog post is one in a series highlighting entries from the inventory. To request inclusion of your institution’s innovations, contact Jessica Milton at jmilton@aacte.org.
The Bradley Professional Development Schools (PDS) Partnership was established in 1995 to address the needs of the eight PDS sites affiliated with Bradley University (IL). Inspired by a full-service community schools model, the partnership extends beyond teacher education to include all five departments in Bradley’s College of Education and Health Sciences.
Through two new clinical experiences (clustered field experiences and edTPA piloting) and several unique program features, the Bradley PDS Partnership has made and continues to make a positive impact. Technology has been deeply integrated in the preparation programs, such as by giving teacher candidates access to a technology laboratory and digital studio, both of which incorporate current technologies from PK-12 classrooms.
As a result of these program innovations, a recent survey found that almost 70% of stakeholders viewed the partnership as supporting student learning and achievement. Further, 70% of the respondents felt that the Bradley PDS Partnership successfully prepared education professionals for their classrooms.
To learn more about Bradley University or other institutions participating in the Innovations Inventory, visit http://theinnovationexchange.net/programs/innovations-inventory/.
Tags: assessment, clinical preparation, content areas, school-university partnerships, technology
