Collaborative Research and Evaluation for Lasting Impact
At the Binghamton University Center for Community Schools (BUCCS), scholarship efforts
are led by Kathleen Provinzano, PhD, and Toni May, PhD, Co-Directors for Research
and Evaluation, in collaboration with Naorah Rimkunas, PhD. Collectively, their research
strengthens the evidence base on community schools and informs policy and practice
across local, state, and national contexts. Using quantitative, qualitative, and mixed
methods approaches, their work examines student outcomes in community schools and
investigates the role of principals in school-university-community partnerships. Experienced
scholars, they are also developing and validating instruments for use in community
schools research and evaluation.
In addition to academic contributions, the Center's faculty lead applied evaluation
projects and professional learning initiatives that respond to the needs of practitioners
and communities. Recent efforts include evaluating a rural school mental health program
that enhanced social work training and expanded student supports and the co-development
of a two-day professional practicum designed to equip educators and school leaders
with actionable tools to strengthen, scale, and sustain their community school transformation.
These initiatives exemplify the team’s commitment to bridging research and practice
to strengthen educational policy and practice. Through this integrated agenda, the
BUCCS research and evaluation division seeks to advance rigorous, data-informed scholarship
that shapes the future of community schools. Their work emphasizes the importance
of evidence-based practice and enduring partnerships with schools, districts, and
community-based organizations.
Faculty, community-based organizations and school districts interested in research or evaluation partnerships are encouraged to contact Tara Edmunds at tedmunds@binghamton.edu