Results
Comments from Participants
"I made most of my growth as a teacher in the last two years rather than in the last thirteen. I was alone before. These two years, I've had another set of eyes to coach me and keep me focused." (Cotsen Fellow Cindy Wechsung, Alvarado Elementary, Long Beach, CA)
"On the first district assessment, my students scored 1s and 2s on a three-point scale. The most recent scores were 2s and 3s. Students say, 'Thank you. The test was so easy.' Students are now happy doing math and more are doing their homework." (Cotsen Fellow Rosie Tamargo, F.D.R. Elementary, Lawndale, CA)
"It (the program) has helped to create a climate of professional communication. You have arrived when your 
staff does their own staff development. I provided stipends for pairs of teachers to learn from each other this year. People wan to get smarter." (Principal Frank Noyes, Addams Elementary, Lawndale, CA)
"Individual teachers were making headway, but we didn't have communities. Now we have professional learning communities with Cotsen (fellows) and at the grade level. The fellows set the standard so high." (Principal Dayla Sims, F.D.R. Elementary, Lawndale, CA)
"You have the same philosophy as the school district. Professional development is not an event but a process of continual improvement. The schools in Cotsen are hot houses for new ideas. No district has the reso
urces to send people out to explore as fellows have done in Cotsen. ...An unintended consequence of the program is that the mentors have become part of the district planning team for professional development." (Former Superintendent, John Deasy, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, CA)
