A Model of Discipline Expertise and
Professional Know-How: Student Impact
Studies (The SUSI Study)
All teacher candidates in the School of Education
design and implement classroom-based student impact
studies, titled the Stevenson University Student Impact
study (SUSI), as a major component of their senior yearlong internship. The internships occur in one of Stevenson’s 10 Professional Development Schools. Although
the School of Education has approximately 30 school
sites for field placements in the freshman, sophomore,
and junior years, Stevenson’s Professional Development
Schools are the sites where interns receive their most
comprehensive classroom teaching experience.
The SUSI studies are based on investigation of children’s needs and the interns’ quest for professional
growth and development. Discipline expertise is
demonstrated by the interns’ ability to identify effective
teaching practices and design actionable plans, accomplished through research in the field and collaboration
with expert professionals and real-world practitioners.
Professional know-how is demonstrated when interns
implement their action plans. The result is a measurable
impact on student growth and development, including for those who are gifted and talented, have special
learning needs, and are English-as-second-languagelearners. The experience is one of inquiry, reflection,
action, and learning. Current studies include topics
focused on the use of interactive notebooks, the effect
of guided reading strategies, and the use of iPads and
learning apps. Many interns present their SUSI studies
at the Maryland State Department of Education Professional Development Schools Conference.
For more information on Stevenson’s Career
Architecture model, please contact:
Anne Scholl-Fiedler
Vice President, Career Services
443-394-9257
[email protected]