Mind the Gap: Conducting Consequential Research in Collaboration With Educator Partners to Inform Decision Making

• In Event: Consideration of Inclusive Educational Program Evaluation and Partnership

Abstract

The traditional model of program evaluation often involves external parties conducting research within school settings. Research conducted in this manner often positions educators as passive recipients of researchers’ knowledge production and/or as data suppliers. The translation of findings into usable information within school settings is often lost. Utilization-focused research and evaluations that empower educators to understand their data and conduct their own studies may offer one way to bridge the gap between research and practice. This paper explores the current state of education research and evaluation, presents an alternative framework based on existing school district partnerships, highlights the importance of utilization-focused research and evaluation, and offers suggestions for flipping the traditional “script” when it comes to program evaluation and research.

Authors

• Mary Styers, LearnPlatform
  Presenting Author

• Meetal Shah, Instructure
  Presenting Author

• Daniel S. Stanhope, Lea(R)n, Inc.
  Presenting Author