The Freedom School Way: A Model for Intergenerational Research Training Partnerships Among Universities and Children's Defense Fund Freedom Schools® Programs

Abstract

Partners United for Research Pathways Oriented to Social Justice in Education is a partnership between a university research training program and a Children's Defense Fund Freedom Schools® site in north Florida. It addresses the lack of demographic diversity among doctoral students in education. Emphasis is on researcher positionality and building relationships with stakeholders in a service-learning practicum. Research fellows design projects around literacy and social action, negotiate with stakeholders, and provide service. We use autoethnographic methods to articulate how Fellows, CDF Freedom School staff, and faculty collaborate. We offer suggestions for conducting research that can lead to meaningful, systemic change.