Characteristics of a school-university partnership: A grounded theory approach

This qualitative case study examined one S-UP model using the framework of nine characteristics that are facets in most S-UPs, and compared it to a grounded theory of a partnership from practice to see whether a framework of S-UP characteristics served as a foundation in understanding the complexities of what happened in an actual S-UP.;Twelve participants in a S-UP principal preparation program representing five levels of participation were identified as subjects for the study. The 12 participants were interviewed in person using semi-structured open ended questions that were audio taped and transcribed for analysis. In addition, students in the cohort were invited to a focus group and six attended. Discussion from semi-structured open-ended questions was audio taped and transcribed for analysis. One focus group participant was also interviewed as an individual. In all, 17 individuals provided responses about the S-UP.;The findings of this research indicated that a benefit that resulted from using the framework of nine common characteristics to examine the S-UP was the ability to elicit how individuals from different positions perceived the S-UP in different ways. The findings showed that individual perception of what happens in S-UPs is shaped by three factors: (1) personal background and experience; (2) position in the partner organization; and (3) level of participation in the S-UP. These perceptions are framed on the common characteristics of S-UPs and indicate that while individuals may be involved in activities that have the same end result, the reasons and purposes for involvement may not be similar.;This study provided meaningful data that leads to recommendations for practice and further study. Recommendations for practice focus on forming S-UPs in which individuals see multiple levels of purpose and mutual benefits for all levels of participants. Also, a recommendation for practice includes screening potential participants for S-UPs.