Developing a Research–Practice Partnership With Policy Intermediaries: An Examination of Collaboration With State Education Agency Leaders

Abstract

A growing body of scholarship foregrounds research–practice partnerships (RPPs) as venues for advancing equity in education. However, few studies focus on partnerships with state education agency leaders, despite their influential roles connecting policy and practice. This article explores state leaders’ experiences collaborating in an early-phase, national RPP focused on advancing multilingual learner equity. Findings shed light on how joint work was facilitated through the development of evidence-based resources addressing current problems of practice. Findings also demonstrate the importance of attending to leaders’ dual responsibilities across state and local levels, informing future efforts to foster partnerships with state leaders. Future research is needed to examine the sustainability of state-level RPPs, as well as the experiences of researchers engaging in such partnerships.