Professor Scribner’s research focuses on educational politics and policy at two levels: (1) micro-level studies involving inquiry into (a) the effects of organizational politics (conflict, power, policy) on change within schools, and (b) community participation/parental involvement and student success; and (2) macro-level studies involving inquiry into (a) effects on institutional collaboration among school districts, universities, and communities, and (b) effects on political culture on state and local educational policy.

Professor Scribner has conducted studies within large urban areas, such as Los Angeles and Philadelphia, and in smaller communities throughout the State of Texas, particularly in the Borderland Schools. His research has been supported by major federal, state, and foundation grants, and has involved graduate students and other faculty. In addition to the research grants, Scribner has been successful in receiving funding support for major training grants for pre-service and in-service educators. While Dean of the College of Education at Temple University, he participated in the acquisition of $1.9 million and $23 million grants for multilingual research and training, and training of military personnel to teach recruits in the basic skills. He also developed an international program with Abraka Teachers College in Nigeria where faculty provided an onsite Masters program for African teachers/administrators. He recently co-directed a Border School Research and Development Initiative and a national study on migranteducation policy funded by the Texas Education Agency.