Like many of my colleagues, I am guilty of constantly invoking the metaphor of an unbridgeable “gap,” suggesting that researchers and practitioners will never live up to their potential to come together in support of our schools, whether through the development and diffusion of effective practices, the more efficient use of resources, or the promotion of more equitable access to learning opportunities and outcomes.
This quote reminded me of another issue that was identified in my needs based interview and how we need to decenter educational institutions to bridge gaps in research and service. Educational institutions need to be viewed as part of the communities (or student body) they serve rather than independent of them. By shifting this perspective, marginalized communities and students can be directly involved in closing this gap as their needs are put in the forefront. In my opinion, the relationship between educational researchers and practitioners will always be at odds if they do not remove themselves from the central focus.