Partnership Matters: An Action-Based Approach to Developing and Maintaining Authentic University-School Partnerships

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

These three action research studies examined challenges that impede the effectiveness of university-school partnerships such as a lack of (1) communication structures; (2) shared vision and mutually beneficial decision making processes; and (3) meaningful engagement within and across organizations. These mixed-method action research studies collected data using surveys, interviews, and focus groups with university faculty, district mentor teacher and administrators, and teacher residents.These studies can aid in enhancing how university-school partnerships communicate to redefine the coursework in educator preparation programs, how school can play an active role in the preparation of teacher residents, and how academic and clinical faculty can work more cohesively. Additionally, this research contributes to the literature on collaborative training approaches for a better clinical experience.

Sub Unit

• SIG-School-University Partnership Research

Chair

• Sarah S. Saltmarsh, National Institute for Excellence in Teaching

Papers

• Measuring Partnership Impact and Strength of Teacher Candidate Preparation After Program Redesign - Angela LeBreton, McNeese State University; Terri L. Simpson, McNeese State University; Jennifer Gilardi Swoyer, University of Texas - San Antonio

• Developing Teacher Candidates' Self-Efficacy Through Cross-Cultural Strategies - Kimberley Davis, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; William Torrence, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; Wendy Kubasko, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

• Collaboration Among Faculty and Clinical Supervisors in an Urban Educator Preparation Program - Ashwini Tiwari, University of Houston - Downtown; Eve Zehavi, University of Houston - Downtown

Discussant

• Elina Lampert-Shepel, Touro University