As schools, districts, and state departments around the country grapple to prevent and
ameliorate the many barriers to effective learning and teaching, there is a growing need to transform policy and practice related to school improvement and personnel
development. In this context, a frequently asked question is:
How are pre-service preparation programs for teachers, support staff, and administrators focusing on addressing barriers to learning and teaching?
This new report is designed both to provide a general conceptual overview and a snapshot of practice considerations and concerns. It begins by reiterating the case for why it is essential to fundamentally and systemically transform how schools (working with families and communities) address barriers to learning and teaching. This is followed by a discussion of the general challenges confronting personnel development for education. Then, a synthesis is provided of findings gleaned from the Leadership Institute our Center conducted in June 2008 for representatives from university departments of education. Throughout, the report offers major implications for transforming personnel preparation for teachers, student support staff, administrators, and other stakeholders involved in addressing barriers to learning and teaching. The report is the kickoff for a higher education initiative by the National Initiative: New Directions for Student Support.

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