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School of Education collaborating with Indiana schools and communities
Oct. 24, 2000
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- In an effort to enhance quality education statewide, the Indiana University School of Education has set forth an initiative to increase collaboration with schools and communities through a cohesive outreach program.
IU faculty members are already involved in the pre-K-through-12 school systems statewide, Dean Gerardo Gonzalez said, but the effort will soon be coordinated through the Office of School Partnerships and Outreach. "There's a lot going on, but we need to improve this collaboration," Gonzalez said. "The more connected we are with today's public schools and communities, the stronger our preparation of teachers, counselors, administrators and school psychologists will be."
Representatives from the newly formed office will meet with Indiana's educational leaders Oct. 31 in Indianapolis to discuss statewide school needs and interests. Subsequent focus groups will be formed to gather information from teachers and administrators to help determine ways in which the university can best collaborate with Indiana's school districts and communities.
Gonzalez emphasized it is a collaborative effort by all parties with benefits to everyone involved. Faculty and staff from the School of Education will offer their expertise and, in turn, benefit from meaningful partnerships with schools and communities. "Genuine partnerships will foster better understandings of the current concerns and approaches to improving education," he said.
Roger Thornton, executive director of the Indiana School Superintendents Association, agreed and said the proposed program "will provide Indiana school districts with some assistance, but it will offer to Indiana University the opportunity to make certain that its preparation programs are connected to the reality of public education in today's public schools."
These understandings, according to Gonzalez, will enable faculty to ask better research questions, as well as to improve educational opportunities including classroom instruction and field experiences. "Through this collaboration we will be able to better prepare our teachers," he said. "Our faculty has a lot to offer as experts in our various fields, but we also have a lot to learn from our school colleagues."
(Debbie O'Leary, School of Education, 812-856-8031, devo99@indiana.edu)