A. St.Lawrence University
 The new Coordinator of Educational Administration at St. Lawrence University. Jim Waterson (a former superintendent of schools) is a member of the Project planning committee and has been an evaluator of our work the past two years. Mr. Waterson, in coordination with Dr. James Shuman, the Chair of the Education Department at SLU, will  utilize graduate courses in administration and preservice education course to involve students for field experience with PGP teams in our project. Some of the students will become partner teachers to PGP teachers, working with them in the classroom at least a dozen times a year and enabling PGP teachers to take risks, explore new strategies and have a collaborator to offer feedback. The use of graduate students in this capacity last year was one of the significant successes of our second year under the Targeted grant. It worked to the mutual advantage of the students and the participating teachers.

 Also, three areas have been identified for SLU students to engage in independent study:
 1. A graduate student in administration will interview administrators of PGP and Pilot teams in our project and write an in-depth analysis of the challenges confronting administrators who want to be instructional leaders. The research will also involve interviews with PGP and pilot teachers to determine what they perceive as their needs from an instructional leader if they are to focus on standards and new teaching strategies.
2.A second student will participate in sessions with administrators in this project as the  administrators are challenged to create their own descriptors of a learner centered school which supports teachers who are striving for learner centered classrooms. Last year, participating teachers defined eight descriptors of a learner centered classroom(appendix A, page 15) and these have provided a focus for teacher planning.  What descriptors define the role of the administrator who wants to encourage teachers to create learner centered environments? The student conducting this research will describe the process used by the administrators as they create their descriptors and will follow their progress, throughout the year, as they attempt to change their behaviors to address the descriptors.
3.A third student, as independent study, will work with PGP and pilot teachers to design a process for utilizing videotapes of classroom performance for reflection and professional growth.

 B. Syracuse University
 Syracuse University, through its School of Education, Assistant Dean Scott Shablak,  Director, will provide support of the team from Beard School, will evaluate progress with Beard School, and will disseminate project results with all PGP and Pilot Schools through its Statewide network. The University will also serve as a resource on issues such as multiple intelligences, creating inclusive communities, and adapting instruction for diverse learners.

 C. Niagara University
 Paul Vermette and the entire education department at Niagara University will continue   involvement with the project. Dr. Vermette, author of a widely read book on cooperative   learning and multiple intelligences will continue to visit project teacher classrooms to demonstrate how to use interactive teaching strategies to address content for standardized assessments that is usually taught through lecture.

Click on the next page you would like to view: