American International Journal of Social Science

The Research to Practice Gap: Disconnects Between Research and Professional Development for PK-12 Schools
Thillainatarajan Sivakumaran, Glenda Holland, Brandy Humphrey, Tiana Povenmire-Kirk, Annette Hux, William Wishart

Abstract
Budget cuts continue to increase in higher education and throughout PK-12 school systems. These budget cuts have, subsequently, affected the potential for growth in the area of professional development programs. School districts and universities across the United States are faced with the reality that many faculty-driven research initiatives are failing due to this lack of funding. These research initiatives, such as the best practices in education and the use of PK-12 teacher-driven research, are experiencing a mode of disconnect between higher education faculty and PK-12 classroom teachers. These research initiatives, which would normally propel teacher education programs, are becoming defunct. This paper seeks to address the types of disconnect that exists between higher education teachers and PK-12 teachers, budget constraints, and evidence-based practices.

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