Werklund initiative connects partners for educational research

When it comes to education, it is important for those in the broader educational community to play active roles. This includes schools and school boards as well as governing bodies; and in the case of the Werklund School of Education, researchers and policymakers in Alberta Education.

It’s for this reason the Werklund School developed the Partner Research Schools (PRS) initiative, consisting of Werklund academics and researchers and school board and jurisdiction representatives and teachers. The goal of PRS is to focus on educational research to the benefit of all. Using the unique opportunities presented by connecting to classrooms, schools and researchers work together on collaborative projects and on developing teacher competencies and knowledge around research.

“The role of Partner Research Schools is to be dynamic collaborations among schools, communities, and universities leading innovation through research-active inquiry and practice,” says Cynthia Prasow, director of PRS.

Last week, PRS partners came together for an afternoon panel discussion on the roles each member plays in developing and implementing research findings. Special guests who were invited to join in the dialogue included Karen Andrews, director of research at Alberta Education and Sharon Friesen, vice-dean of the Werklund School of Education.

During the discussion, PRS members were asked to address two key questions: What is the value of government, schools and universities working together with respect to research? And when they do work together, what are their respective roles?

“The goal in asking these two questions specifically was to generate discussion regarding future partnerships and areas of research that might be addressed,” says Prasow.

“In that vein, rich conversations ensued that have led to building connection and future conversations regarding our work together.”

Prasow says the afternoon was a great success all-around. Many partners have commented they are looking forward to continued research connections involving Werklund researchers and academics and their communities — including their schools, teachers, and the pre-service teachers in the Werklund undergraduate programs on practicum within their jurisdictions.

PRS has plans for a follow-up session in early 2016. In August, PRS will partner with the College of Alberta School Superintendents, the Calgary Regional Consortium and Alberta Education for a two-day conference, where the focus will be leading innovation through research-active inquiry and practice.