Increasingly, collaboration between business, non-profit, health and educational agencies is being championed as a powerful strategy to achieve a vision otherwise not possible when independent entities work alone. But the definition of collaboration is elusive and it is often difficult for organizations to put collaboration into practice and assess it with certainty. Program evaluators can assist practitioners concerned with the development of a strategic alliance predicated on collaboration by understanding and utilizing principles of collaboration theory. The Strategic Alliance Formative
This article describes elements of an approach to research and development called design-based implementation research. The approach represents an expansion of design research, which typically focuses on classrooms, to include development and testing of innovations that foster alignment and coordination of supports for improving teaching and learning. As in policy research, implementation is a key focus of theoretical development and analysis. What distinguishes this approach from both traditional design research and policy research is the presence of four key elements: (a) a focus on
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TEAM MEMBERS:
Bill PenuelBarry FishmanBritt Haugan ChengNora Sabelli
resourceresearchProfessional Development, Conferences, and Networks
In this paper commissioned by the William T. Grant Foundation, Cynthia Coburn, Ph.D.; William Penuel, Ph.D.; and Kimberly Geil, Ph.D. survey the current landscape of partnerships involving school districts to better understand different types of collaborations, the challenges they face, and their strategies for success. Through this paper, they develop sharp insights about this promising field.
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Cynthia CoburnBill PenuelKimberly Geil
resourceresearchProfessional Development, Conferences, and Networks
Report from an ITEST meeting to define a research agenda for the afterschool field convened by the ITEST Learning Resource Center at Education Development Center, Inc.
This paper presents a conceptual framework for understanding the uses of research in policy and practice, findings from recent empirical work, and early lessons from the field. The framework describes the ways policymakers and practitioners define, acquire, interpret, and ultimately use research. Relationships are vital conduits for acquiring research. When confronted with questions about a program or reform, agencies and legislators often turn to trusted peers and intermediaries. Translation is also key. Because research does not speak for itself, policymakers and practitioners must
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Vivian Tseng
resourceresearchProfessional Development, Conferences, and Networks