8. Discussion and/or Conclusion
“The partnership appears to be successful because of the commitment from all parties involved. Although the school reform and change was difficult for some of the teachers during the transition period, the outcomes were clearly visible in terms of higher academic achievement, teacher quality, and school climate. The K–5 school benefited from the expertise of university faculty and other volunteers, but mentors benefited from the opportunity to engage in collaborative research in a school, which gave them free access to all elements of operational level from school records to resources and management. In addition the institutions involved
had similar characteristics because they were both faith-based with similar philosophies, missions, and values. Although there may have been some initial misunderstanding on the assumptions of the partnership, perhaps through miscommunication, the result was a stronger involvement and commitment from the university partner. Both the school and the university are developing marketing strategies to increase K–5 enrollment. The marketing campaign,
highlighting the partnership, benefits both schools.”