Abstract:
This paper explores border crossings in the development of a research partnership between a university and a group of schools in a school district. While the university may have been proactive is seeking new research partnerships with schools, it has been the schools in this particular district which have driven the desire to be more research-based in their professional work and practice and the focus for a collaborative research agenda. Such a shift is defined as a significant border crossing. The paper will elicit a number of emerging themes in making the crossing, not the least of which has to do with parity of esteem of the research partners and with the leading role of the "industry partner" in defining the "what" and the "how" of the collaborative research effort as an example of professional practice research.