Funding for the 2000-2001 School Year is provided in part by a Title II Grant through the Maryland State Department of Education. This partnership between Towson University's Elementary Education Department, Clemens Crossing Elementary School, and Guilford Elementary School was first implemented in fall 1997 with planning and professional development activities. The first cohort of 14 interns began in spring 1998. This is the only PDS partnership in Howard County which involves one cohort of students in a spring-fall internship. Twelve interns completed in December 1999, and ten were employed in the school system.
Current plans are for sixteen interns to be enrolled in each cohort group.
These courses focus on curriculum planning and instructional delivery. Fall Interns gradually assume full responsiblilty for planning and instruction. Major internship components include working with parents and families, multicultural teaching, action research, peer coaching, and portfolio presentations as a culminating activity. For those who are hired by the system or who remain in the area, ongoing support is offered on a voluntary basis to interested interns. Some interns remain involved in the PDS and are able to offer support as the new interns begin.