The Center for Research in Leadership and Education (CRLE) kicked off the summer with a research bash, inviting education partners in West Texas to discuss a slew of recent research findings and develop solutions to real-world problems in the field of education.
The Research, Evaluation and Collaboration for Educational Success Summit (RECESS), held May 27 on Texas Tech's campus, brought CRLE faculty and student research assistants together with representatives from Lubbock, Midland and Ector County Independent School Districts (ISDs), University of North Texas and Philanthropy Advocates.
The group covered a wide range of local and statewide education issues, including teacher preparation, special education, Texas House Bill 5, dual credit and science teacher retention.
“We wanted to create an event that gave our faculty, graduate students and local and state partners an opportunity to be in the same room," said Jacob Kirksey, an assistant professor of educational leadership at Texas Tech and RECESS's founder. "Our research and collaborations thrive when we have space for cross-pollinating ideas among researchers, policy advocates and practitioners."
We enjoyed visiting our research partners, @TTUEducation, with our members from The CH Foundation. Read more about upcoming research: https://t.co/a8PO8Xkb8E#txed#txlegepic.twitter.com/YKZe0wIeJm
— Philanthropy Advocates (@TX_philanthropy) June 3, 2022
Much of the research discussed was a product of "research-to-practice" partnerships between researchers and school practitioners, including one paper titled “Predictive Factors for Advanced STEM Course Enrollment Amongst Lubbock ISD Students.”
CRLE also showcased research it is undertaking to inform advocacy work. A project in partnership with the grantmaking collaborative Philanthropy Advocates is assessing whether Texas high school graduation coursework requirements foster success after high school. The research also aims to consider different definitions of college readiness and their impact on students and institutions.
“RECESS was an ideal opportunity for researchers and student fellows with the Center for Research in Leadership and Education to present their work resulting from active collaboration with the center's partners and receive honest and practical feedback from them,” said Alexander Wiseman, director of CRLE and a professor of educational leadership at Texas Tech.
“This summit allowed us to untangle complex educational issues using data and make connections to partner-focused applications and solutions. It was an excellent way for us all to celebrate our partners and to connect them with each other while discussing evidence-based solutions to shared problems."
CRLE plans for RECESS to become an annual event hosted each spring at Texas Tech. The center also plans to meet with its partners during regional “mini-meetings” throughout the year.
An interest form to partner with CRLE or get involved as a research assistant or faculty fellow is available on the center's website.
ABOUT THE CENTER FOR RESEARCH IN LEADERSHIP AND EDUCATION
Founded in 2015 by College of Education faculty members, CRLE engages in empirical research to address and eliminate inequities in education and promote social justice values and practices.
The center is committed to improving both the educational outcomes and access to education through close collaborations with community partners as well as the rigorous and timely analysis of relevant data. The ultimate goal is to contribute to a more just and a better educated community and the effective decision-making of educational leaders.