As part of its intent to disseminate best practices, LFDCS specifically seeks a role in preparation and certification of teachers to attain skills and experience in urban education, acquiring competencies in strategies designed for ELL’s (English Language Learners) compatible with requirements of MA DESE SEI Category Training as well as teaching strategies and practices that foster high expectations and high academic achievement for students whose family income and limited English readiness could identify them as at risk from achieving academic proficiency.

LFDCS will work in partnership with administration and faculty of the College of Education to design and implement appropriate classroom experiences for selected graduate students seeking Massachusetts certification in Elementary Education (K-6). Graduate fellows will be assigned to observe, co-teach and teach in classrooms taught by certified, highly-qualified veteran educators at LFDCS who are further qualified by mentor training and experience, have a positive attitude toward urban education, the families we serve and the teaching profession and have data evidence of student achievement.

LFDCS has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Merrimack College and will pilot this program in the 2010-2011 school year with five graduate fellows and five LFDCS teachers. The results of partnership, portfolios and practices will be documented throughout the year and will be shared at a public forum at Merrimack College annually. LFDCS will seek to disseminate this partnership at state and federal conferences and in articles prepared for professional publications.

LFDCS has identified the following specific strategies for student growth and proficiency, specific indicators necessary for success in an urban school. These practices will be at the core of internal and external dissemination.

1.      Intentional parent involvement, understanding cultural and common factors and incorporating a broad range of education and family development.