Professional development schools and indicators of student achievement

Abstract

Two approaches were used in a study to examine the relation between indicators of student achievement, including the state mandated standardized achievement test, and the functioning of professional development schools (PDSs). Comparing schools that had PDS relationships with a midwestern university to schools that did not resulted in no significant differences in achievement. When PDS ratings relating to nine PDS goals and functions were compared to achievement indicators, higher staff development ratings were significantly related to higher student achievement. Limitations of the study precludes a definitive causal relation; however, the results suggest the need for further study and suggest the possibility of staff development as a major tool for student achievement in PDSs.