The RPP Exchange: Equity Through Research-Practice Partnerships

In the final installment of this three-part series, we look toward the future of Research-Practice Partnerships (RPPs) and their growing role in shaping equity-centered student–athlete success. This brief but forward-focused segment explores how collaborative models are evolving across higher education—and what that evolution means for athletics, academic support, and holistic student development.

In Part 2 of our three-part series, we examine how Research-Practice Partnerships (RPPs) and qualitative inquiry shape the academic and personal development of student-athletes. This episode explores how collaborative, equity-driven research models allow universities and athletic departments to translate data into meaningful action. Special guest Brady Rourke, Associate Athletic Director for Academic Services at the University of Maryland, shares how qualitative data — from student experiences to staff reflections — offers deep insight into the daily realities student-athletes face. We discuss how these insights inform policy, programming, and leadership decisions across the Gossett Student-Athlete Center. Together, we highlight the people and structures acting as agents for change: educators, advisors, administrators, and student-athletes themselves who leverage evidence, relationships, and shared vision to push institutions toward more just and student-centered outcomes. Part 2 lays the foundation for our final episode, where we explore the broader implications of this work and what the future of student-athlete support could look like.

In this episode, we dive into the powerful intersection of research, practice, and purpose — uncovering how data-driven collaboration and equity-centered leadership are reshaping the academic and personal journeys of student-athletes. Joining me is Brady Rourke, Associate Athletic Director for Academic Services and Director of the Gossett Student-Athlete Center for Academic and Personal Excellence at the University of Maryland. Together, we discuss what it really takes to build systems that support student-athletes beyond the field — helping them thrive in the classroom, in their careers, and in life. Tune in to learn how intentional partnerships between researchers and practitioners can redefine what success looks like in collegiate athletics.

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the impact and vision of the 480 Club by welcoming Youth Development Specialist Daryl Brown to the conversation. Daryl is a devoted father, mentor, and passionate advocate for empowering young people to discover their full potential. Guided by faith and a lifelong commitment to growth, he brings a unique blend of wisdom, purpose, and heart to the work of building stronger futures. Join us as we explore his insights and inspiring journey.

In this episode, Vaughn Parham speak with Joe Hooks, founder of the 480 Club. Joe is a passionate community advocate, youth mentor, and small business owner whose work is making a lasting impact on young people across Montgomery County. From school wellness centers to afterschool sports programs, Joseph is on the front lines of youth development and family support. You can learn more about Joe and his work by visiting https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast.

In this episode, hosted by Dr. Christine Neumerski (University of Maryland), Dr. Donald Peurach (University of Michigan) and Dr. Jennifer Linn Russell (Vanderbilt University) expand on novel forms of leadership currently developing in networked improvement communities (NICs), offer advice for early career professionals looking to enter collaborative education research, and share their hopes for how current shifts in policy and research may be an opportunity to work more closely with local educational partners. To learn more about the RSJC and our guests, visit https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast

In this episode, hosted by Dr. Christine Neumerski (University of Maryland), Dr. Donald Peurach (University of Michigan) and Dr. Jennifer Linn Russell (Vanderbilt University) share their thoughts on Research-Practice Partnerships, talk about lessons learned during failed research collaborations that led to more effective future partnerships, and introduce us to a novel form of leadership they see developing within organizations that serve has hubs for networked improvements. Learn more about the RSJC and our guests by visiting https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast.

In this episode, hosted by Dr. Christine Neumerski (University of Maryland), Dr. Donald Peurach (University of Michigan) and Dr. Jennifer Linn Russell (Vanderbilt University) share their personal and professional journeys that led them to build a field of "network research" and "continuous improvement" in education. They also discuss what sparked the Improvement Scholars Network, how they came to co-lead the network, and what they mean by the term "invisible college." To learn more about the Racial and Social Justice Collaborative and to read about our guests, visit us at https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast.

Dr. Lori Wimbush, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and School Improvement at Roanoke City schools, and Dr. Maxwell Yurkofsky, Assistant Professor in The Doctor of Education Program at Radford University, share how their work is expanding to provide mentorship to all teachers and educational leaders across the school division and what they have gained from their partnership. To learn more about our guests and their work, visithttps://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast.

Dr. Lori Wimbush (Roanoke City Schools) and Dr. Maxwell Yurkofsky (Radford University) share how their partnership leveraged relationships to support and empower teachers of color and this work addresses institutional racism in both the short and long term. To learn more about our guests and their work, visithttps://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast

Dr. Lori Wimbush (Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and School Improvement, Roanoke City Schools, VA) and Dr. Maxwell Yurkofsky (Assistant Professor, Radford University), share the roots of their collaboration to increase retention for teachers of color through improvement science and a dissertation process that addresses systemic issues in education.

Dr. Christine Neumerski (RSJC-UMD) engages in conversation with Dr. Paula Arce-Trigatti and Dr. Kim Wright of the National Network of Education Research-Practice Partnerships (NNERPP). In this episode, they discuss tips for reaching out to potential RPP partners and how to access an array of resources related to RPPs through NNERPP. To learn more about the RSJC and our guests, visit https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast.

Dr. Christine Neumerski (RSJC-UMD) engages in conversation with Dr. Paula Arce-Trigatti and Dr. Kim Wright of the National Network of Education Research-Practice Partnerships (NNERPP). In this episode, they discuss advice for education practitioners engaging RPPs, building trust by doing the work, and the focus of RPPs outside of the United States. To learn more about our guests and the Racial and Social Justice Collaborative, visit https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast

Dr. Christine Neumerski (RSJC-UMD) engages in conversation with Dr. Paula Arce-Trigatti and Dr. Kim Wright of the National Network of Education Research-Practice Partnerships (NNERPP). They share how NNERPP began, how they entered the work, and common challenges faced by network members. This is Part 1 of a 3 part conversation. To learn more about our guests visit our podcast webpage at https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast.

In this final episode of a three part conversation, Danielle Gervais Sodani and Annie Murphy Karabell talk about equalizing power dynamics and practical implications of their RPP work. They also share their thoughts on how to keep partnerships going when funding is uncertain. Learn more about our guests and The Racial and Social Justice Collaborative by visiting https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast.

Danielle and Annie are researchers in a Research-Practice Partnership (RPP) with a local DCPS school district focused on supporting district and school leaders in the implementation of evidence-based reading practices. In this episode, they discuss challenges they faced in their RPP and how being aware of and responsive to the various needs of stakeholders contributes to enduring partnership. Read more about our guests and their work by visitinghttps://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast.

Danielle Gervais Sodani and Annie Murphy Karabell are researchers in a Research-Practice Partnership (RPP) with local District of Columbia Schools focused on supporting district and school leaders in the implementation of evidence-based reading practices. This partnership began in 2021 and has served 27 elementary schools, including eight dual-language schools. Through the partnership, RPP leaders co-create monthly professional learning. Research endeavors include an investigation into the barriers to the implementation of reading practices, a quantitative study on the reading trajectory of students in grades K-2, and how RPP leaders learn together to support school leaders planning for the implementation of reading practices. To learn more about our guests and their work, visit https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast .

In this episode, Dr. Doug Anthony asks Dr. Lorenzo Hughes and Dr. Daryl Howard to discuss how we might go about increasing representation of Black men and other teachers of color in the workforce. They share their thinking around community responsiveness, innovative and engaging instruction, and increasing belonging for students of color as a means to achieve this goal. Learn more about guests at https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast.

Dr. Doug Anthony, at the Center for Educational Innovation and Improvement at the University of Maryland, guest hosts this conversation with Dr. Daryl Howard (MCPS) and Dr. Lorenzo Hughes (AAPS). In this episode our guests discuss authentic ways to empower historically marginalized students so that their voices influence policy and practice at the district, school, and class level. Learn more about our guests and the Racial and Social Justice Collaborative by visiting https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast

Dr. Doug Anthony at the Center for Educational Innovation and Improvement at the University of Maryland, guest hosts this conversation with Dr. Daryl Howard (MCPS) and Dr. Lorenzo Hughes (AAPS). They discuss concepts of equity and it's role in education in our ever changing sociopolitical landscape. Listen in as they consider pillars of equity, equity exhaustion, and equity's role in modern classrooms. To learn more about our guests, visit https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Jade Wexler (University of Maryland-College Park) and Jacklyn Lightsey (Montgomery Co. Public Schools-MD) discuss the nuts and bolts of the AIM Coaching Model, the necessity of both district and research priorities being in alignment, and how they hope to continue their partnership. To learn more about our guests visit https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Jade Wexler (University of Maryland) and Jaclynn Lightsey (Montgomery County Public Schools) describe their process for iterative feedback from instructional coaches and practitioners. They discuss how centering practitioner voices and parallel growth of coaches and researchers are currently supporting district-wide scaling of their work. To learn more about our guests and their work, please visit https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast

In this episode, Dr. Jade Wexler (University of Maryland) and Jaclynn Lightsey (Montgomery County Public Schools) discuss the origin of their partnership to bring Adaptive Intervention Model coaching to teachers in MCPS. They emphasize the importance of building trust, remaining student-centered, and having district leadership willing to facilitate the shared work. For bios and links to the work of Dr. Wexler and Ms. Lightsey, please visit our website at https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast.

In this episode, Rachel Ruggirello (Associate Director) and Carmen Stayton (Program Manager, Instructional Specialist) begin by sharing their work in helping teachers explore their relationship with math to bring joy and rigor to the classroom. They discuss the process of building authentic, trusting relationships with practitioners and share what's next for the Institute for School Partnership at Washington University in St. Louis. For guest bios and more information on the Institute, visit our website at https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast

In this episode, Rachel Ruggirello (Associate Director) and Carmen Stayton (Program Manager, Instructional Specialist) discuss how the creation of teacher leaders and a multi-leveled systemic approach ensures sustainable growth despite the pedulum swings of education reform and district leadership. Through a focus on STEM instruction, equitable partnerships, and strengths-based collaboration, the Institute for School Partnership at Washington University in St. Louis, engages in data driven, meaningful collaboration with a wide variety of schools and districts in the St. Louis region. To learn more about our guest and the Institute, visit our podcast webpage at https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast.

In this episode, Rachel Ruggirello (Associate Director) and Carmen Stayton (Program Manager, Instructional Specialist) discuss the 40 year history of the Institute for School Partnership at Washington University in St. Louis. Through a focus on STEM instruction, equitable partnerships, and strengths-based collaboration, the Institute engages in data driven, meaningful collaboration with a wide variety of schools and districts in the St. Louis region. Learn more about our guests and the Institute by visiting https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast

In this final episode of our conversation with Dr. Jean Snell and Dr. Segun Eubanks, we discuss some of the essential elements in remaining responsive to education practitioners and the payoff of institutional shifts after years of dedication to RPP work. Please visit https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast to learn more about our guests and to find the resources discussed.

In this episode, Dr. Jean Snell and Dr. Segun Eubanks (CEii-UMD) discuss the nuanced understanding and work needed to span boundaries between school districts and research partners. To learn more about the CEii and our guests, please visit https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast. Our next episode will air on Friday, September 20th. Thanks fo rlistening.

In this episode Dr. Jean Snell and Dr. Segun Eubanks describe the groundbreaking research-practice partnership developed between the University of Maryland and Prince George's County Public Schools. To learn more about our guests, the Racial and Social Justice Collaborative and the Center for Educational Innovation and Improvement visit https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast.

Dr. Christine Neumerski (RSJC) talks with Dr. Kimberly Griffin (Dean, College of Education-University of Maryland) and Dr. Ana Taboada Barber (Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, and Partnerships - College of Education, UMD) about how to build relationships with education practitioners in Research-Practice Partnerships. To learn more about the RSJC and our guest, visit https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast.

Dr. Christine Neumerski (RSJC) talks with Dr. Kimberly Griffin (Dean, College of Education-University of Maryland) and Dr. Ana Taboada Barber (Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, and Partnerships - College of Education, UMD) about concrete steps Deans & Associate Deans can take now to center and support RPP work for faculty in Colleges of Education. Learn more about the Racial and Social Justice Collaborative and Dean Griffin and Dr. Taboada Barber at https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast.

Dr. Christine Neumerski (RSJC) talks with Dr. Kimberly Griffin (Dean, College of Education-University of Maryland) and Dr. Ana Taboada Barber (Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, and Partnerships - College of Education, UMD) about shifting the culture in academia around Research-Practice Partnerships. Learn more about our guests and the Racial and Social Justice Collaborative by visiting https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast

Today we conclude our conversation with four public school educators who share their thoughts on education research, outdated systems, and the modern needs of students and teachers. Our host, Jenni Eaton, is a 9th-grade English teacher and doctoral student at the University of Maryland Our guests are Chanelle Cohen, an educator for almost 20 years and doctoral student at Marymount University, Carolyn Martinez-Ross, a teacher and school librarian currently living in Utah, Dr. Heidi Temple, a theatre teacher with 27 years of teaching experience, and Elizabeth Vogel, who has over 20 years of teaching experience and currently teaches middle school Spanish. To learn more about the RSJC and our guests, visit https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast

In this episode Jenni Eaton (Doctoral Student-UMD; 9th grade English teacher) and four public school teachers offer their thoughts on how education research can be centered on teachers and students. Our guests are Chanelle Cohen, Carolyn Martinez-Ross, Dr. Heidi Temple, and Elizabeth Vogel. To learn more about our guests visit the RSJC website at https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast. The RPP Exchange is brought to you by the Racial and Social Justice Collaborative through the Center for Education Improvement and Innovation at the University of Maryland- College Park.

In this episode Jenni Eaton (Doctoral Student-UMD; 9th grade English teacher) talks with four public school teachers about the disconnect between research and practice and how we can begin to address the gap. Our guests are Chanelle Cohen, Carolyn Martinez-Ross, Dr. Heidi Temple, and Elizabeth Vogel. Please visit our website to learn more about our guests at https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast

In this final conversation with Dr. Jing Liu (University of Maryland) and Dr. Laura Wentworth (California Education Partners) they discuss nonprofit brokering in RPPs, the agency of researchers in RPP development, and the many benefits of RPP work to education policy, funding, and more. This podcast is brought to you by the Racial and Social Justice Collaborative with the Center for Education Innovation and Improvement at the University of Maryland-College Park. Learn more about the collaborative and the work of our guests at https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast.

This episode was recorded last fall during the launch event for the Racial and Social Justice Collaborative (RSJC) at the University of Maryland-College Park. Dr. Bill Penuel joined Dr. Christine Neumerski (RSJC) for a conversation about the potential for RPP work in addressing some of our biggest challenges in public education. Learn more about the Racial and Social Justice Collaborative at https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast

Dr. Jing Liu- Associate Professor (UMD-College Park) and Dr. Laura Wentworth (California Education Partners) discuss the power of routines and brokering in Research-Practice Partnerships. The RPP exchange is brought to you by the Racial and Social Justice Collaborative with the Center for Education Innovation and Improvement at the University of Maryland College Park. To learn more about the center or read the work of Drs. Liu and Wentworth, visit this link: https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast

Dr. Laura Wentworth (California Education Partners) and Dr. Jing Liu (University of Maryland-College Park) discuss the impact of RPP work at the District, State, and National levels. To learn more visit our podcast page at https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast where you can learn about Jing and Laura's work and the work of the Racial and Social Justice Collaborative at the University of Maryland within the Center for Education Innovation and Improvement.

Dr. Laura Wentworth (California Education Partners) and Dr. Jing Liu (University of Maryland - College Park) discuss how involvement in RPP work as a graduate student impacts ones career forever, the creation and impact of California Education Partners, and scalability through work with district leaders. Go to https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/home to learn more about the Collaborative and the work of Dr. Liu and Dr. Wentworth.

In the final episode with Dr. David Weintrop and Kris Beck, they discuss the power of teacher engagement in ensuring the success of the Scratch Encore curriculum and materials, how RPP work creates transparency and accountability to stakeholders, and how research-practice partnerships have transformed their professional work. To learn more about the Racial and Social Justice Collaborative at the University of Maryland visit https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/home; For links to the work of Dr. Weintrop and Ms. Beck, visit https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/the-rpp-exchange-podcast; Thanks for listening!

In Part 2 of this conversation between Dr. David Weintrop (UMD-College Park) and Kris Beck (Office of Computer Science; Chicago Public Schools) they describe how they met COVID and other challenges with resilience and innovation. within their research-practice partnership. Stay tuned for our final episode on this conversation to be released 4/5/24. Learn more about the Racial and Social Justice Collaborative https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/home; Dr. Weintrop's work https://www.canonlab.org/scratch-encore and Kris' work https://sites.google.com/cps.edu/cs4all/home

In this episode, David Weintrop, Ph.D. (University of Maryland) & Kris Beck (Director of the Office of Computer Science for Chicago Public Schools) discuss their creation of a Research-Practice Partnership to develop Scratch Encore, an intermediate computer science curriculum Learn more about the Racial and Social Justice Collaborative at https://sites.google.com/umd.edu/rsjc/home (links to Dr. Weintrop's work will also be here); Scratch Encore at https://www.canonlab.org/scratch-encore; and the Office of Computer Science at Chicago Public Schools https://sites.google.com/cps.edu/cs4all/home