Orienting Network Improvement Communities for Equity-Focused School Improvement: Insights From a Nonprofit-District-University Research-Practice Partnership

• In Event: Collaborative Agency in School Turnaround: Voice, Partnership, and Equity in Action

Abstract

Networked improvement communities (NICs) are one potential research-practice partnership structure for combating root causes of systemic race-based inequities within school systems. Drawing upon the case of a NIC of over 20 schools and community organizations co-facilitated by an educational non-profit, district central office, and university researchers in a diverse urban school district, this paper examines how NICs can adapt to focus on dismantling racist and unjust school practices through authentic community engagement. We outline how the NIC forged equitable relationships by engaging community in NIC governance and facilitated equitable systems by engaging community across improvement activities. Findings point to successful strategies that other NICs might replicate and challenges that partners may need to navigate in fostering equitable community engagement.

Authors

• Ariel Tichnor-Wagner, Boston University

• Hardin L.K. Coleman, Boston University

• Yozmin Gay, Boston Public Schools

• Ruth Mercado-Zizzo, EdVestors

• Alia Verner, EdVestors