Imagine a School: How Researchers Can Support Community-Based Groups’ Visions for Philadelphia Public Schools

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

This interactive symposium will consist of researchers and representatives from educational non-profits and grassroots community organizations, all working to address the current crisis in the Philadelphia School District. This panel will consider the role of action research in uniting disparate stakeholders around a shared vision for public schools, creating creative solutions to the complex problems facing the Philadelphia educational system, and facilitating a public learning process. Specifically, the symposium contributions highlight the opportunities and challenges of initiating and enacting research partnerships, and the role of research in policy reform. It will also present a unique opportunity for AERA attendees to learn about the promising, pioneering work that is happening in the city hosting the conference.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Action Research

Chair

• Jerusha Osberg Conner, Villanova University

Papers

• Reforming Philadelphia’s Schools From the Outside In: Lessons From a Research Practicum on Civic Capacity - Rand Quinn, University of Pennsylvania

• Using Research to Create Champions and Drive Action - Candace E. Bell, Pathway Strategies, LLC

• The Challenges of Prioritizing Philadelphia’s Children in a Contentious Landscape - Donna Cooper, Public Citizens for Children and Youth

• Partnering to Strengthen Community: A University-Community Research Collaboration - Michael C. Johanek, University of Pennsylvania; Pat De Carlo, Norris Square Civic Association

• Teachers at the Front Lines: Fighting for Justice - Sam Reed, Teacher Action Group; Kira J. Baker-Doyle, Arcadia University

Discussant

• Pauline Lipman, University of Illinois at Chicago