Chapter 2: Conditions of Inquiry within PDS Relationships

In order for schools and universities to form effective and long-lasting partnerships, they must make inquiry the focus and driving force of their relationships. Using Dewey’s notion of inquiry, I developed a syllogistic model that identifies five necessary conditions of inquiry within PDS relationships. I then examined three PDS relationships in one southern state according to this syllogistic model in a qualitative study involving interviews. At the conclusion of the study, two of the three partnerships exhibited a strong sense of inquiry while the third exhibited a weak sense. Three conclusions were drawn from the study. First, qualitative study guided by a normative framework offers a viable means to examine partnerships. Second, partnerships should promote multiplex structures for their operation. Finally, inquiry is possible in partnerships whose relationships operate within intimate units.