Engaging in a Bidirectional Partnership to Support an Expanded Definition of Student Success

A large and growing body of research demonstrates that student success requires more than just academic achievement; it also requires supportive environments that foster the development of key social and emotional competencies and mindsets. Inspired by this body of research, Transforming Education (TransformEd) embarked on a multi-year partnership in 2016-17 with NewSchools Venture Fund (NewSchools) to support their portfolio of Innovative Public Schools in expanding their definition of student success. This chapter describes the ways in which TransformEd implemented a research-practice partnership (RPP) with over 90 schools throughout the country to promote a focus on social and emotional competencies and equitable learning environments. The chapter begins with the importance of RPPs for driving change related to social and emotional learning. The principles underpinning the current RPP are then discussed. Included throughout are insights from school leaders and the actions they took to apply key learnings from this partnership. The chapter concludes with lessons learned from the NewSchools RPP, to help inform others engaged in this type of bidirectional work.