Deeper learning and leadership development in a school–university partnership with a rural district
Journal of Educational Administration
ISSN: 0957-8234
Article publication date: 12 December 2023
Issue publication date: 3 January 2024
Abstract
Purpose
To meet the needs of under-resourced, rural schools where teacher attrition is high, this case study examined how a school–university partnership strengthened teacher and leader abilities to support deeper learning for students.
Design/methodology/approach
This research focused on a 17-year collaborative partnership between one rural school district and a university research and outreach organization to develop deeper learning experiences for students through shared and supportive leadership and learning of teachers and leaders. The researchers utilized documents, field notes and interviews with administrators to validate the data.
Findings
The study’s findings suggest that participation in authentic, researched-based professional development through the partnership improved the skills of leaders and teachers to support deeper learning for students. This partnership heightened teacher and leader capacity to promote and support continued change and sustainability.
Originality/value
This case study explored how one university center collaboratively engaged with a district by sharing research and strategies to support the development of leaders and teachers to create deeper learning for students. Through these experiences, the district evolved its deeper learning system and improved its organizational effectiveness, leadership development and learning for all.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This study was funded by the Oklahoma Educational Technology Trust (2005–2023) Leadership and Grants to School Programs; the US Department of Education's Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs Partnership Grant (2008–2015), K20 Pathways to Success (No: P334A080234); the US Department of Education's Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs Partnership Grant (2018–2023), K20 GEAR UP for MY SUCCESS (No: P334A180034) and the Cooperative Council for Oklahoma School Administration's Creating Uplifting Classroom Environments (2018–2023).
Citation
Williams, L.A., Atkinson, L., Dean, S., McCarty, T.W., Mathews, E. and Jaques-McMillin, S. (2024), "Deeper learning and leadership development in a school–university partnership with a rural district", Journal of Educational Administration, Vol. 62 No. 1, pp. 40-56. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEA-02-2023-0046
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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