Framing a Research-Practice Partnership in the District of Columbia: A Multilateral Approach to Engagement

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 17
  In Roundtable Session: School Districts and Communities: Research-Practice Partnerships, Collaboration, and Trust Across Systems

Abstract

The research-practice partnerships (RPP) model is a bilateral research structure that seeks to build a two-way street of engagement and has grown in attention nationally. Yet, the bilateral model that defines the RPP partnership as being between a research entity and a practitioner agency misses the importance of the larger community that surrounds research activities and determines research agendas. This paper argues that a uniquely-structured RPP in DC can be a stable bridge between community stakeholders, politicians, and schools, and, through its neutral “third-party” position, collaboratively undertake improvement research by engaging three specific types of stakeholders in its work— political agencies, community members and civic organizations, and research organizations— all of whom are committed to improved outcomes for youth.

Authors

• Rebecca Ann Thessin, The George Washington University

• Elizabeth Grant, The George Washington University