District and University Partnerships in Support of a High Needs Urban Elementary School

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the strengths and challenges that emerged from the first year of a district and university partnership focused on improving a high needs urban elementary school. This research utilizes an instrumental case study design. The elementary school and the university involved in this study are both public serving institutions located in south central Texas in the United States. This paper examines the partnership after the first year of implementation. Feedback was solicited from district, campus, and university personnel regarding the successes and challenges they encountered. Three themes emerged: administrative support, challenges presented by a change in principal, and a focus on mutual self-interest and common goals. Implications are discussed.

Leadership preparation in progress: evidence from a district-university partnership

“…Relatedly, competing priorities of university personnel and district personnel may hinder the sustainability of university-district partnerships (Cunningham et al. , 2023; Kearney et al. , 2021 Walsh and Backe, 2013).…”