The problematic of developing a school university partnership program: Challenges, growth and reciprocity.

Abstract

School/university partnerships have the potential for both schools and pre-service teacher education faculties to engage in renewal by working in a collegial manner in the preparation of students to become teachers. Furthermore, sustainable partnerships require careful consideration and effective communication with all stakeholders. This presentation critically reviews a pre-service graduate entry teacher education program that is based on a school-university partnership approach currently being piloted by the Centre for Professional Development, Griffith University (Gold Coast). The review led to a refinement of the program that generated changes to the models of implementation as well as assisted new schools entering the program. An unexpected outcome was the professional development of teachers and renewal of teacher partnerships. The discussion consists of three components. Firstly, there will be a brief overview of this initiative offered at Griffith University (Gold Coast campus). Secondly, representatives from the partnership schools will discuss how they have interpreted the suggested university model to suit their local contexts. Finally, the program will be critically reviewed by school based personnel in terms of professional development, program delivery, commitment of teachers and school-university partnerships.