The Plains Early Childhood PDS Partnership

Reading buddies are a big part
of the program at The Plains
Elementary School.

Cohort groups of Early Childhood Education Majors spend a year with a team of professors and elementary faculty studying an integrated curriculum and gaining intensive classroom experience. The Plains Elementary/ Ohio University Professional Development School Partnership:

Began in 1991
Received BEST Practices award in 1996
Integrated curriculum planned, developed and delivered by elementary & University faculties
Self-renewing, supportive, cooperative learning environment
Inquiry and action research are integral components
Students spend two full days a week in classrooms
Teach with mentor teachers
Year-long experience at different grade levels: Kindergarten through third grade
Students connect theory from methods classes with classroom practice
Seminar features instruction in Literacy Collaborative

Professional Development
Early Childhood and University faculty participate in continuing dialogue which allows for sharing of their vision and expertise. There is a shared responsibility of creating a balance between content and practice in methods courses.

Provides structure and setting for teacher/faculty research
Teachers hired as partnership coordinators and part-time instructors
Teachers invited to attend and present at conferences with OU faculty

Unique Features

The Plains Elementary is a preschool through sixth grade Literacy Collaborative School
A fellow co-teaches with the partnership liaison
Students have selective admission and priority registration
The Plains Early Childhood Partnership is a collaborative effort involving the faculty of Ohio University in Athens, both within the College of Education and the College of Health and Human Services

For more information on The Plains Partnership, please contact:
Jan Slattery
College of Education
McCracken Hall 102F
Athens , OH 45701
740.593.4476
janslattery@athenscity.k12.oh.us

Janet Idleman
OU Partnership Liaison, Third Grade Teacher
The Plains Elementary School
90 Connett Road
The Plains, OH 45780
740.797.4572
jidleman@athenscity.k12.oh.us