By Laura O’Brien

A new book co-edited by three Virginia Commonwealth University educators provides practical insights into how researchers and educators can work together for student success.

In the field of education, RPPs – research-practice partnerships – are crucial collaborations that help test methods, in real-world settings, that can improve student outcomes and shape education policy. VCU School of Education faculty members Jesse Senechal, David Naff and Hillary Parkhouse recently brought together their wide-ranging expertise to serve as co-editors of "Navigating Issues of Equity in Schools Through Research-Practice Partnerships," a book that explores case studies from across the nation and presents a framework for incorporating equity in the design of RPPs.

“We wanted to create a guide that helps researchers and educators consider the complexities of partnership work when collaborating to serve the needs of schools, communities and students,” said Senechal, Ph.D., an assistant professor with expertise in educational leadership and policy. He also is director of the School of Education’s Institute for Collaborative Research and Evaluation.

The book’s concluding chapter, “Emboldening Present and Future RPP Leaders,” offers a forward-looking perspective on navigating the challenging landscape of modern and inclusive education. Emphasizing the importance of building sustainable partnerships that address real-world issues, the chapter provides researchers, educators and policymakers with actionable steps that bolster RPPs – which the co-editors and their contributing authors say can be transformative in improving schools. 

“RPPs provide a way to combine research insights with practical experience, helping schools navigate shifting sociopolitical contexts with informed solutions,” said Naff, Ph.D., an associate professor specializing in educational research, assessment and evaluation. He also is director of the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium in the Richmond area.

The book contributes to the scholarship on research design within RPPs and, more broadly, collaborative research in general. It also is available in open-access format, made possible by publisher Routledge and the National Network of Education Research Practice Partnerships, to ensures that its findings are freely available to a global audience.

Parkhouse, Ph.D., an associate professor whose research has explored teaching that promotes culturally conscious practices and critical citizenship education, underscored the teamwork behind the project.

“This book reflects the VCU School of Education’s commitment to impactful research and teaching, drawing on our collective expertise to support educators,” she said. 

The 2025 MERC Summit, which focuses on the connection of research, policy and practice, is being held Thursday, June 26, at Huguenot High School in Richmond. Visit the event website for registration and other details.