Stephens and Boldt (2004), research partners in a
K–12=university partnership, theorize that the primary goal of
school=university partnerships should be ‘‘the simultaneous
renewal of colleges of education and of K–12 schools.’’ The
authors remind us that, even with best intentions, adequate planning,
and open communication, one cannot always predict the
challenges ahead, reactions to those challenges, and total agreement
in addressing the challenges. Stephens and Boldt (2004)
propose four questions within a three-layer complex process of
rhetoric, reality, and intimacy. The questions, which must be
addressed at the start of the relationship and among partners are: