Research Practice Partnerships

A research practice partnership (RPP) is a collaborative and mutually-beneficial partnership that is responsive to the needs of both researcher and practitioner. RPPs may include (1) research alliances designed to investigate a system’s programs and policies; (2) design-based partnerships in which researchers and practitioners collaboratively construct research in order to solve problems of practice; and (3) networked improvement communities (NIC) in which multiple agencies and systems apply systematic inquiry to collaboratively work to improve and address critical need problems of practice (Penuel 2017). We encourage you to explore the ways RPPs provide collaborative opportunities for research to address challenges in education. 

Read this white paper on Research Practice Partnerships to learn more about how University and K12 partnerships can leverage research for educational improvement.

Assistant Professor Dr. Joshua Wilson, School of Education, and Dr. Gaysha Beard, Red Clay Consolidated School District, write on how addressing issues of mutual concern and interest between research and practice serves to bridge gaps in the educational community.

Kristen Davidson of the National Center for Research in Policy and Practice summarizes research findings on the benefits of RPPs - What Happens When Educators and Researchers Work Together in Partnership?

• The NNERP clearinghouse contains extensive resources on RPPs from launching to effectiveness, and including special topics such as ESSA and partnering with SEAs.
• WT Grant Foundation offers high quality resources on topics ranging from how to structure a partnership, develop a joint research agenda, develop data sharing agreements, communication of research, and assessing partnerships.
• Explore a straightforward guide map on the RPP process from the Research and Practice Collaboratory.
• Watch 6 modules on RPPs featuring Bill Penuel in the RPP Forum from the Research and Practice Collaboratory.  

PPE can utilize our extensive P12 network to facilitate introductions with education partners and help foster the relationships which support mutually beneficial partnerships. We can also provide you with the latest, high-quality resources and tools, to help you tailor an approach to fit your research goals. 

Interested in learning more? Contact us at ppe-info@udel.edu

To learn about internal funding, visit our funding opportunities.