Accepting the gap: An introduction to the special issue on bridging research and practice

Although the gap between research and practice is certainly not a new challenge facing the field of education, it is a challenge that has yet to be successfully addressed from the perspective of both researchers and practitioners. Efforts to achieve greater harmony between the two settings can be described as slow and minimal. In this article, two of the barriers serving to widen the gap are reviewed. In addition, reasons to accept the gap between research and practice while also working to minimize a negative impact are outlined. Through the articles included within the issue, a message is reiterated regarding the importance of making better connections between the two, and suggestions are offered as to how such connections might be accomplished.