U of M and Minneapolis Public Schools establish partnership to improve outcomes for students

Today, the University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) and Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) announced a 3-year partnership, with the support of the Minneapolis Foundation, that aims to turn research into reality to improve outcomes for students. 

As part of the partnership, leading CEHD researchers in literacy, math, school climate and staff engagement will share evidence-informed practices with MPS leaders, who will tailor those practices for MPS classrooms. In turn, MPS educators will help inform new areas of research based on their first-hand knowledge and experience. Over time and with a focus on implementation, the partnership will support MPS goals concerning academics, equity and sustainability.

By bringing together researchers and practitioners around specific topics, CEHD and MPS hope to:

• Raise awareness of current research findings among educators and practitioners
• Raise awareness of student/teacher/school needs to identify whether current research addresses needs or whether additional studies should be designed and conducted
• Explore potential implementation of evidence-based practices and products to address school needs
• Over time, evaluate implementation of identified practices, products and effectiveness to address school needs

“CEHD takes the University's mission seriously," said CEHD Dean Michael Rodriguez. "We know our research is most effective when it impacts practice in the community. The college is equipped with world-class researchers studying cutting-edge practices in education. Through this research-practice partnership with MPS, we can coordinate efforts, learn from each other, and maximize our impact to support student success.”

“MPS has long seen pockets of success, where some schools and some students do exceptionally well,” said Eric Moore, MPS’s Senior Accountability, Research and Equity Officer. “By moving our efforts to the system level, we can be more effective in supporting the expertise and experience of MPS educators with established research to create broader success. As the relationship between CEHD and MPS strengthens, we will see greater impacts across our systems.”

This innovative partnership is possible because of support from the Minneapolis Foundation, which prioritizes education research and innovation. Minneapolis Foundation President and CEO R.T. Rybak expressed hope that the intentional collaboration across systems would mean good things for students, educators and the community.

"We are excited to help bring together these two iconic institutions to rethink their relationship," Rybak said. “Our community has talked for decades about why we should all work together on behalf of our kids. This collaboration goes beyond talk and paves the way for tangible changes that will make lives better."

The partnership begins with a series of roundtable discussions on literacy and math this month. Learn more and stay connected at https://innovation.umn.edu/mps-partnership/.

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About the University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development
The University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) strives to teach, advance research and engage with the community to increase opportunities for all individuals. As the third largest college on the Twin Cities campus, CEHD research and specialities focus on a range of challenges, including: educational equity, teaching and learning innovations, children’s mental health and development, family resilience, and healthy aging. Learn more at cehd.umn.edu. 

About Minneapolis Public Schools
At Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), we work every day to provide our 31,000 PreK-12 students an inclusive education, a supportive community and lifelong learning. There’s a place where everyone belongs in MPS. We know how to help students grow and achieve, wherever they are on their academic journey. MPS creates experiences where students feel challenged and free to explore the world. mpls.k12.mn.us.

About the Minneapolis Foundation
The Minneapolis Foundation drives collective action to realize strong, vibrant communities. The Foundation cultivates generosity by taking action on the greatest civic, social, and economic needs—partnering with nonprofits, facilitating grantmaking, driving research and advocacy, and providing services to donors seeking to make a difference in their communities. Learn more at www.minneapolisfoundation.org.