51Ç鱨վ

Host institution: 51Ç鱨վ-St. Louis
Dates of visit: March 28–April 8

Overview

The visit to 51Ç鱨վ-St. Louis (UMSL) was supported by UMSAEP funding to the value of $4,675. A partnership was established with support from Rodney Uphoff, with Kristy Brann and Katya Sussman-Dawson at UMSL, who signed a host agreement and assisted with preparations for the trip. Prof. Uphoff arranged the flights and accommodation. 

The visit centred on a project focusing on learner dropout in both Missouri and the Western Cape. The study focused on school factors affecting school dropout and support for students who are at risk of dropping out. The study aimed to uncover factors, to inform the Department of Education's (SA) and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (Missouri)’s responses to addressing the barriers experienced by students and schools. 

The objectives of this collaboration with UMSL included the strengthening of staff and student connections with UWC, and the development of further collaborative research. 

Outcomes

The outcomes of the trip were two-fold. Firstly, the trip resulted in stronger links between UMSL and UWC. Secondly, the trip contributed to completion of the study in Missouri which would lead to collaborative partnerships in the dissemination of both studies in South Africa and Missouri. 

Strengthening faculty and student connections with UWC

Throughout the trip, I met with both students and staff across the faculty at UMSL. At the beginning of my stay at UMSL, I was invited to present to students and staff in the Faculty on Inclusive Education in International Perspective where I shared my experiences of inclusive education policy and practice across a range of developed and developing contexts. This led to connections with other staff and students at UMSL. I was also invited to informal meetings with other members of staff working in the field of educational psychology, to explore our common research interests.

I organised an online meeting with staff from the educational psychology department at UWC to explore opportunities for collaborative research. This led to the development and submission of a research bid to Spencer Grant to the value of $50k for a project exploring the experiences of educational/school psychologists in the SA and U.S. systems. 

Sharing research capabilities

Collaborative data collection in Missouri from selected schools involving interviews with principals, teachers, support staff and students who have dropped out, was conducted in March to May 2026. I accompanied Dr. Brann in the data collection at one secondary school and subsequently developed a spreadsheet for the data analysis. Data collection and analysis in Missouri was supported by student researchers. Meetings were held at UMSL to discuss the data collection exercise and key findings from the analysis. Subsequent meetings have been held online to discuss further data analysis, findings and dissemination opportunities i.e. conference presentations and journal articles which involve both students and staff from UMSL and UWC. 

The following outcomes as outlined in the proposal, are yet to be achieved, given the revision of dates for my visit from January to March 2026. 

1. Dissemination of the study through articles in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations
2. A report with policy recommendations, based on the evidence, which will be shared with the Departments of Education ultimately leading to reduced dropout rates

The revised timelines are as follows:

Conclusion and next steps

This UMSAEP-funded trip achieved its proposed objectives and has led to a stronger partnership between staff and students in educational psychology at UMSL and UWC. Upon my return, the communication with UMSL has continued and plans are in place to explore further opportunities for student and staff collaboration. We await the results of the Spencer Grant application, which will formalise our connection even further.