The Impacts of a University Partnership to Facilitate the Use of Research in School Improvement Efforts

• In Event: Leveraging University/School Partnerships in School Improvement

Abstract

In partnership with a school service provider, a university research team investigated the impacts of a continuous improvement tool and program of institutes to help educators use the tool. The tool, based on findings from a series of studies using case study methodology, identified district, school and classroom factors impacting student academic achievement. The institutes, offered throughout the school year, engage school leadership teams in a process of team-building, data collection and analysis of progress toward meeting goals. Data from post-institute evaluations and documentary evidence were collected from these institutes and indicate that participants have adopted components of continuous improvement processes in their typical practice. This self- study provides a model for similar research-to-practice initiatives and recommendations for future research.

Authors

• Janet I. Angelis, University at Albany - SUNY

• Kristen C. Wilcox, University at Albany - SUNY