Partnering in Equity Work: Tensions That Accompany Collaborative Efforts to Advance Equity in Schools

• In Event: Advancing Equity and Inclusivity Through Ethical Leadership and Documentary Engagement in Education

Abstract

This research contributes to the literature on how partnerships focused on school improvement develop. In particular, we investigate partnerships between eight urban school districts and other organizations (such as state agencies, universities, and community organizations) that were formed during a grant-funded initiative focused on school leadership for equity. We use the lens of inhabited institutionalism to explore tensions that arose as different partners worked to align their goals, routines, and visions for equity. We also highlight the resources that the partner organizations drew on as they grappled with these tensions. We discuss three sources of tension: differences in equity definitions, differences in approaches to the partnership, and the fragmentation of district organizations.

Authors

• John B. Diamond, Brown University

• Daniella Molle, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• April L. Peters-Hawkins, University of Houston

• Wehmah Jones, American Institutes for Research

• Emily Handsman, Rutgers University

• Emily Nott, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Mark E White, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Yeonsoo Choi, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Jordan Mosby, Brown University

• CJ Greer, University of Wisconsin - Madison