The Collaboration for the Improvement of Teacher Education (CITE) project brought teachers and administrators from four public school districts together with Eastern Michigan University professors to design and implement a research-based pre-student teaching program. The major goal of the program was to develop reflective pedagogical thinking in third-year education students. The program is one semester in length and during its course the following objectives are focused upon: (1) students use research-based course concepts and principles to analyze and interpret what they see and do in the field (beginning stages of reflection); (2) teachers help students learn from research-based assignments through coaching and see their collaborative role as important to teacher preparation; and (3) professors help students apply research-based concepts and principles to make meaning of their field experiences and see this as an important role. This report describes the development and implementation of the CITE program, the pilot testing effort, and expanding the program over a 3-year period. A project assessment report includes program component descriptions, results and findings on major questions about the program, a discussion of future directions, and implications for teacher education. A practice profile is included. (JD)