Author
Cynthia Coburn
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Blog PostFostering Research Use in School Districts Through External Partnerships
When and under what conditions can a district central office learn from external partners for their improvement efforts? External partners, such as vendors, consultants, and researchers, can share materials and expertise to support instructional improvement efforts in districts. An increasing number of these external partners, whom district leaders reach out to all the time, draw […]
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ResourceResearch–Practice Partnerships in Education Outcomes, Dynamics, and Open Questions
Policymakers, funders, and researchers today view research–practice partnerships (RPPs) as a promising approach for expanding the role of research in improving educational practice. Although studies in other fields provide evidence of the potential for RPPs, studies in education are few. This article provides a review of available evidence of the outcomes and dynamics of RPPs in education and related fields. It then outlines a research agenda for the study of RPPs that can guide funders’ investments and help developing partnerships succeed
Use of Research EvidenceResearch-Practice Partnerships -
Blog PostWhat is the Conceptual Use of Research, and Why is it Important?
We recently observed and interviewed leaders in a major urban school district as they set out to revise their district’s school improvement policies. In pursuing their goals, the leaders we followed drew heavily from the 2010 book, Organizing Schools for Improvement: Lessons from Chicago. Drawn from a longitudinal research study of hundreds of schools, Organizing […]
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ResourceResearch-Practice Partnerships at the District Level: A New Strategy for Leveraging Research for Educational Improvement
Coburn, Penuel, and Geil define research-practice partnerships, identify the major types of partnerships that operate at the district level, describe challenges partnerships face and strategies for addressing these challenges. The authors draw on a review of existing research and interviews with participants in research-practice partnerships across the country.
Use of Research EvidenceEducation