Fostering Equitable Systems With State Leaders: Developing and Sustaining Research-Policy Partnerships

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: Developing Equitable Partnerships to Foster Equitable Systems (Table 28)

Abstract

A growing body of scholarship foregrounds research-practice partnerships (RPPs) as venues for addressing urgent problems of practice in education. However, few studies focus on partnerships between researchers and state education agency (SEA) leaders, despite their prominent roles fostering equitable education systems through shaping policy and providing guidance to districts and schools. Recognizing this gap, we draw on in-depth interview and observation data to examine strategies for effective RPP work with state leaders. Findings shed light on how collaborative decision-making processes facilitated the development of trust, providing a foundation for productive partnership work. Findings also demonstrate the importance of attending to SEA leaders’ dual roles, informing future efforts to develop and sustain meaningful partnerships between researchers and state leaders.

Authors

• Hayley Ryan Weddle, University of Pittsburgh

• Megan Hopkins, WestEd