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 Acade...

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...

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 wor...

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...

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 ho...

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...

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...

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 ab...

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....

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...

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://si...

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/rs...

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...

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...

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...

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 abou...

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 classr...

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-pod...

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 the...

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 o...

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...

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...