Even with the best of intentions, as researchers, we often fail to put relevant and actionable evidence in the hands of decision-makers. Research and evaluation are joint efforts between the decision-makers who select and implement initiatives and those studying the progress and outcomes of these efforts. Dr. Colleen Paeplow will share the lessons learned within the Wake County Public School System and the collaborative process they have developed to ensure their work is relevant and aligned with the needs of their district. They have learned that it is only through collaboration with their colleagues across the district that they can conduct meaningful research. During this session, you will learn about their collaboration map and the collaborative practices they have developed over the years.

Dr. Paeplow has over 20 years of experience as an educational researcher, 12 years as a university instructor, and 9 years serving on graduate committees. She currently serves as the Senior Director for Program Accountability within the Wake County Public School System’s (WCPSS) Data, Research, and Accountability Department, where she supervises a team of evaluators and co-authors evaluation and research studies for the district and with university research partners. Dr. Paeplow earned a Ph.D. in educational research and policy analysis from North Carolina State University in 2011, where she serves as an adjunct professor, teaching graduate courses on statistical analysis and data-based decision making, and has served on numerous doctoral committees. She is involved with research collaborations with Harvard University’s Strategic Data Project as a supervisor of an agency fellow and North Carolina Practitioner Network with NC Department of Public Instruction and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. Working through universities and directly via her company, Dissertation Coaching Pros, Dr. Paeplow serves as a chair, methodologist on dissertation committees, and dissertation coach to support graduate students attending a variety of universities to finalize their degrees. She considers it a privilege to collaborate with educators, researchers, and other stakeholders and to provide guidance to staff and students as they build their capacity to conduct research.