Boundary Crossing in Hawai‘i Education Research Network’s (HERN) Tripartite Model

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 3:45 pm - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: From Collaboration to Transformation: Evolving Research-Practice Partnerships in Education

Abstract

Research-practice partnership (RPP) actors deliberately engage in boundary crossing, where they move between distinct institutional or professional contexts to foster collaboration and mutual learning. This study explores the experiences of those involved in HERN, a unique RPP in the nation’s only statewide school district. HERN operates on a tripartite model where each of its projects involves Hawai‘i Department of Education staff, College of Education faculty, and Graduate Assistant/s. Interviews with 13 participants across five projects highlight how HERN’s tripartite model fostered professional growth and sustained impact. GAs gained hands-on research experience, faculty expanded collaborative networks, and DOE staff enhanced skills in applying research into practice. These boundary crossing experiences deepened relationships and extended project influence beyond formal duration and roles.

Authors

• Carl Francis Moog, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

• Joanna Philippoff, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa

• Kavita Rao, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa