Comparative Studies and Research Projects in a Professional Development School Partnership

Abstract

Continuing with the theme of what worked to initiate change and improvement in a partnership setting, this chapter highlights a “comparative international research approach” and two major research projects that were successfully conducted by members of a partnership between a college and a school district. The first project is an American-Slovenian research venture focused on comparing and analyzing teaching of American and Slovene preservice teachers in their respective partnership school settings. The second research venture is a U.S. government funded, race-to-the-top partnership project entitled CLIPS – Career Ladder Innovator Programs and System. The grant project involved veteran teachers and was aimed at advancing newer professional positions for teachers – teacher-leader innovator, master teacher, and researcher. The two research ventures and their investigative designs are offered as springboards and templates for others to adapt and use to achieve their partnership goals during this new era of change in education.