News Release
June 23, 2006
Rishel Middle School Recipient Of The 2006 National Network For Educational Renewal, Richard W. Clark Partner School Award
The Richard W. Clark award recognizes one public school nationally whose collaborative efforts are advancing the complex work of developing, sustaining, and renewing partner schools. Rishel Middle School serves as a setting for teacher candidates as they complete required school internships for teacher licensure. Since the partnership began, there have been approximately 325 teacher candidates trained with clinical teachers at Rishel.
Five years ago a volunteer group of teachers on staff began a study group that has developed over the years to become a teacher-driven site of inquiry and professional development. The group now consists of a strong core of teachers, teacher candidates, and partner coordinators. It is the hard work and effort put forth by this group that earned the Clark award. Former Rishel Site Coordinator Kelli Varney and UCDHSC Site Professor Rick VanDeWeghe will be recognized at the NNER annual conference in Cincinnati, Ohio in October.
In his writing on partner schools, Clark communicates deep understanding of the range of collaboration and commitment needed to develop and sustain quality partner schools that address the Agenda for Education in a Democracy through the four partner school functions: (1)providing quality access to knowledge to all students, (2)ensuring quality learning environments for pre-service teachers, (3)providing professional development for all adults (university and school faculty) engaged in the work, and (4)promoting a culture of inquiry for renewal of school practices.
For more information, please contact Sylvia Bookhardt, Principal, Rishel Middle School. Telephone: 720-425-1260.