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37 - Exploring the Promise and Possibility of Innovation in Professional Development Schools

from Part VI - Inquiry and Innovation in School–University Partnerships

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 November 2025

Janna Dresden
Affiliation:
University of Georgia
JoAnne Ferrara
Affiliation:
Manhattanville University
Jane E. Neapolitan
Affiliation:
Towson University
Diane Yendol-Hoppey
Affiliation:
University of North Florida
Jori S. Beck
Affiliation:
Old Dominion University
Morgan Z. Faison
Affiliation:
University of Georgia
Sonia E. Janis
Affiliation:
University of Georgia
Kathleen Provinzano
Affiliation:
Binghamton University
Logan Rutten
Affiliation:
University of North Dakota
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Summary

We explore the promise and possibility of innovation in professional development schools (PDS). Based on a systematic review of 351 articles from school university partnerships, this chapter provides an analysis as well as illustrations of professional development school innovation. Our analysis points to three gears of innovation including the PDS itself as the initial innovation, the infusion of inquiry and research within the PDS as a second level of innovation, and a third level of innovation characterized as innovative outcomes. These outcomes related to innovation (1) as collaboration that fills a PK-12 learning gap and complements PK-12 instruction, (2) that supports the redesign of teacher education to strengthen learning through clinical practice and build program coherence, (3) in job-embedded professional learning, and (4) related to expanding the scope of partnerships. We conclude by highlighting a series of insights gained from the analysis and identifying future possibilities and challenges for PDSs.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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