Exploring the Potential of Research-Practice Partnerships to Support State Education Agency Leaders as Agents of Change

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 7:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Research-Practice Partnership Development (Table 35)

Abstract

State Education Agencies (SEAs) have increasing influence over educational policy and practice. While SEA leaders may be well positioned to advance equitable change, capacity building has traditionally been limited. Research-practice partnerships (RPPs) represent a venue to support state leaders’ with facilitating change. This qualitative study draws on interviews with SEA leaders and RPP meeting observations to examine: 1) What SEA structures challenge leaders’ efforts to make change? 2) How does participating in an RPP support leaders with advancing change within these structures? Findings reveal how RPP engagement supported state leaders with navigating organizational silos and bureaucracies through relationship building and developing evidence-based resources. These insights may inform future capacity building efforts at the state level of the education system.

Authors

• Hannah Goldstein, University of Pittsburgh

• Hayley Ryan Weddle, University of Pittsburgh