Equity-Driven Research-Practice Partnerships: How States Applied Improvement Science for Advancing Preschool Quality

• In Event: Advancing Continuous Improvement in Theory and Practice

Abstract

Publicly-funded preschools, by design, are intended to dismantle systemic oppression and reduce poverty. Despite decades of efforts to provide high-quality equitable learning opportunities for all children, injustices persist. The persistence of failure to provide equitable ECE is a systems issue: We are in dire need of cultivating equitable partnerships to continuously improve ECE systems in the midst of constant reform and political shifts. Thus, we conducted a multi-year, cross-state case study to examine the processes and contributions of RPPs in state-driven preschool quality improvements. This study identified critical elements of RPP that enhanced our understanding of improvement approaches and partnership processes that can transform educational possibilities for those furthest removed from justice.

Authors

• Soojin Oh Park, University of Washington
  Non-Presenting Author

• Nancy B. Hertzog, University of Washington
  Presenting Author

• Gail E. Joseph, University of Washington
  Non-Presenting Author

• Emily Holm Tobin, University of Washington
  Non-Presenting Author