ABSTRACT

Partnerships and collaborations between local K-12 schools and universities are usually developed for the primary purpose of allowing teacher candidates to engage in fi eldwork experiences under the mentorship of practicing teachers. Most of these relationships are within public institutions. However, collaborations beyond fi eldwork and student teaching are becoming increasingly more prevalent because they provide an opportunity for university faculty and K-12 teachers to engage in meaningful research centered on theoretical and pedagogical issues which lead to best practices in teaching and learning and in providing opportunities for K-12 learners in diverse communities. This chapter presents an example of such a collaborative project between a school district and a university.