Sandy White Watson

Boys, masculinity and school violence: reaping what we sow

In this paper the author explores the relationship between masculinity and violence. She begins by pointing out that although all of the recent school shootings in the US have been perpetrated by boys, very few are associating the acts with the gender of the offenders. Perhaps this connection is not made because society is so conditioned to the fact that men and boys have always made up the preponderance of violent offenders in the US. In this paper the attitudes and behaviors associated with the socially constructed culture of masculinity that lend themselves to male violence and aggression are explored. It includes a discussion of a Freirean approach to the problem and concludes with practical suggestions for transformation.

Professional development school graduate performance: Perceptions of school principals

Abstract The literature provides numerous studies pertaining to the effectiveness of Professional Development Schools (PDSs) on teacher candidate preparedness, new teacher confidence and competence, and job satisfaction, as perceived by PDS graduates themselves. Lacking in the literature are studies that ask employers (school principals) to compare and contrast pedagogical knowledge, behaviors, and skills of their PDS graduate and non‐PDS graduate employees (classroom teachers). This study examines perceptions of 45 school principals regarding performance of PDS and non‐PDS prepared teachers in 19 competencies across three areas of pedagogical skill, behavior, and knowledge. Both quantitative and qualitative data analyses are included. The study supports the value of the PDS as perceived by principals familiar with graduates of one program.