A r c h i v e d I n f o r m a t i o n

   FOR RELEASE                       CONTACT:  Melinda Kitchell     November 28, 1994                             (202) 401-1008

GRANTS TO SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS FOR EDUCATORS

Helping classroom teachers and other K-12 educators guide students in achieving higher standards of knowledge and performance is the purpose of 27 partnerships that have received $7.2 million in support from the U.S. Education Department through the Secretary's Fund for Innovation in Education.

"High-quality professional development for teachers will help ensure that all students have equitable opportunities to achieve the high standards that are now being set," said Sharon P. Robinson, assistant secretary for educational research and improvement. "Teachers will work in partnership with other educators in schools, with colleagues in higher education, and with parents and communities to determine the knowledge and skill requirements for enriching the teaching and learning process. Teachers, principals and other educators will then design and actively participate in opportunities for educators to improve throughout their careers and become more competent in working with students."

Partners in 20 states and the District of Columbia include local school districts, higher education institutions, teacher and other professional organizations, state education departments and boards of education, community action groups, a regional technology center, a state-wide educational television foundation, a state humanities council, and a community-based science center. Awards range from $60,000 to $450,000 per year for up to three years.

The University of Oregon, for example, will serve as a hub for activities to help educators improve their teaching skills to meet the new state standards for student-learning and college entry. Across the state, 32 partnerships including high schools, community and four-year colleges, will design teacher and administrator development programs focused on improving standards-based curriculum, instruction and assessment.

The Partnerships for Standards-Based Professional Development of K-12 Educators program, under the Fund for Innovation in Education in the Office of Educational Research and Improvement, is authorized by the Elementary and Secondary Education Improvement Amendments of 1988 (P.L. 100-297).