UNDERSTANDING THE LANDSCAPE OF RESEARCH-PRACTICE PARTNERSHIPS IN EDUCATION SETTINGS: AN ANALYSIS OF CURRENT TRENDS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Abstract

There is a growing need to bridge the research-to-practice gap in educational settingsby effectively translating and disseminating research to address the practical needs of educators. One approach that has gained significant attention among researchers, practitioners, and funders is the research-practice partnership (RPP) model. As RPPs have evolved over the past decades, various types of partnerships have emerged, and the nature of collaboration among RPP members has varied significantly. Thus, this dissertation aims to enhance understanding of the current landscape of RPPs in educational settings and explore potential future directions. Chapter 1 is an introduction to the dissertation, providing an overview of the current problems, and outlining the chapters in the dissertation. Chapter 2 presents a synthesis of the literature on RPPs focused on instructional or programmatic change in mathematics, identifying 16 relevant studies. By analyzing the characteristics of partnership members, collaborative processes, areas of focus, and outcomes related to mathematics instruction and intervention, the findings reveal a shift from coordination to deeper collaboration within RPPs and the development of collaborative knowledge. However, the synthesis also suggested a need for more detailed reporting on RPP members’ characteristics, the processes they undergo, and the challenges and facilitators that shape partnership dynamics. Addressing these gaps will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how RPPs function and evolve in educational contexts. Chapter 3 is a qualitative study that sought to expand upon the experience and perception of members who engage in RPPs, focusing on the planning and development stage by interviewing seven currently or formerly research-side members and school-partner-side members in the RPPs. This study aims to investigate the planning and development stage of RPPs to understand how partners initiate, communicate, and negotiate to launch the RPPs and the challenges and facilitators identified at this stage. Through interviews and thematic analysis, the study identified four major themes: forming structural collaboration and foundation, perceived involvement in partnership, challenges and barriers faced, and facilitators and strengths of RPPs. The major themes, related subthemes, and implications for future RPPs are discussed. Chapter 4 is a practitioner paper designed as a practice guide for practice-side and research-side members seeking to establish new research- practice partnerships (RPPs). Specifically, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of different types of RPPs, the roles and levels of involvement of various partners, and key considerations for collaboration. Additionally, the paper offers practical recommendations for initiating and planning an RPP, including concrete examples centered on developing an RPP with a shared vision of supporting students with learning disabilities. By outlining essential steps and strategies, this guide aims to facilitate the formation of effective and sustainable partnerships between researchers and practitioners.