Fostering Researcher-School Collaborations, From Light Touch to Mutualistic Partnerships: Considerations for Developmental Scholars

Session Type: Professional Development Session

Abstract

This session draws from panelists’ experiences working as practitioners, consultants, and researchers to support developmentalists interested in school-based collaborations. The first panelist, Robyn Ilten-Gee, has written about and engaged in extensive school-based research focused on digital and media literacy and social and emotional learning. Akira Gutierrez Renzulli brings practitioner, clinical, and developmental expertise to her work in teacher and administrator trainings, research with schools, and consultancy. Lacey Hilliard (organizer) has conducted experimental research in preschool classrooms and has collaborated with educators and schools to create, implement, and evaluate small and large-scale technology-based social and emotional programs. Matthew Attaya is a former practitioner and is currently engaged in a school-wide training initiative integrating social and emotional development and anti-racism efforts into everyday teaching methods.
Collectively, panelists will provide a decision tree that will map points of consideration and strategies for beginning and growing school-based collaborations. The scope spans from lighter touch school engagement, such as consulting or singular research studies, to larger-scale projects and mutualistic partnerships. Panelists will give specific developmental considerations through examples, and provide time for audience members to workshop their ideas. The panel represents graduate student and faculty perspectives, as well as prior practitioner experiences. Examples will largely focus on social and emotional development, from equity and social justice-centered frameworks. The strategies discussed, however, will apply to other research topics.

Sub Unit

• Professional Development Session

Session Organizer

• Lacey J. Hilliard, Suffolk University

Participants

• Robyn Ilten-Gee, Simon Fraser University

• Akira S. Gutierrez Renzulli, Florida International University

• Lacey J. Hilliard, Suffolk University

• Matthew K Attaya, Suffolk University