The Texas Schools Research Network (TSRN)

Q. What is the Texas Schools Research Network? 

A.  The Texas Schools Research Network consists of a selected group of school district representatives who are vitally interested in ongoing university research and the derived benefits from cutting-edge educational improvement solutions.  The Texas Schools Research Network (TSRN) provides a process by which there is routine, focused liberation by varied Texas School districts on research topics and "critical", emerging issues for CREATE's consideration.   Educational research has historically been criticized for a lack of rigor and an absence in the alignment of educational research and practitioners' "real" problems in schools.  The network ensures that the research authorized by CREATE is pertinent to many audiences, directly related to critical school issues, and applicable to many district and/or school-level practitioners.  In addition, the TSRN provides participating school districts with opportunities to engage in critical collaborations with university partners to help gather the most enlightening data for analysis and to accelerate the quality of public school educational improvement.

Q.  What are the benefits of being a part of the network? 

A.  Districts participating in the Texas Schools Research Network receive multiple benefits.  Such benefits include:  1) access to the most current, "school-focused" educational research from participating universities; 2) opportunities to influence the kind of educational research that would most benefit practitioners; 3) potential partnerships with participating universities in research designs; 4) possible publication or presentation possibilities at local, state, and national forums; 5) frequent opportunities for participating district representatives to network with other educators on critical topics; and 6) professional relationships with universities which could strengthen local programs and ease the K-12/higher education transition for college-bound students.

Q.  How does my school get involved?  

A.  The Texas Schools Research Network is operational; however, there are opportunities for additional school districts to become involved.  If you would like to learn how your school district might explore becoming a member of this important initiative, call the CREATE office (contact info available on the homepage), and ask to speak to Dr. Joe N. Neely, the Public School Research Liaison.