Chapter 9: PDS and University Faculty Collaborative Classroom-Based Teacher Research

This study reports the findings of a 3-year, facultywide collaborative research project at an innovative small school in a large Midwestern urban area. Developing a community of practice within a professional development school (PDS) model, preservice interns, faculty mentors, administrators, and university instructors designed classroom-based research to address the underachievement of African American males. The 3 specific areas of role models, reading attitudes, and technology use were explored. Findings indicate student achievement was positively impacted, although the specific causal modalities are unclear. Implications and future practices are described.