Activities begin at 9 a.m. and will feature Robert Bartman, Missouri commissioner of education, as the keynote speaker. In addition to his remarks, it will also include an overview of the PDS Partnership, plus breakout sessions that will give representatives of six participating schools the opportunity to discuss their schools' action research projects. According to PDS Director Jo Triplett, this marks the second year for the partnership, which is funded through a federal Goals 2000 grant. Six sites involving more than 70 collective staff are involved in the project, impacting an estimated 200 pre-service teachers per year and a large number of public school students. Triplett said types of action research projects at different sites may vary due to the perceived instructional needs in the building.
Action research is a way to look at a problem, gather data and make recommendations.
Individuals who are interested in learning more about the Central Partnership are encouraged to attend the showcase.