Partnerships: Best Practices in Parent Center-State Collaboration to Improve Student Achievement Presented at the 2006 OSEP Project Directors’ Conference

Collaboration “Collaboration is not a simple process - every step, from developing a shared vision to overcoming language and organizational gaps, is a series of give-and-take adjustments to normal operating procedure.” “ Collaboration is not just plugging old skills into a new arena; it is an innovation & life- changing process simultaneously exciting & threatening, which makes personal & professional support essential.”

What is “Collaboration”? Altering relationships Uniting organizations and individuals for the purpose of achieving common goals that could not be achieved by any single individual or organization acting alone

Key Elements of Collaboration Agreed-upon and institutionalized mutuality & common goals Jointly developed structures & shared responsibility –Communication –Decision-making –Dispute resolution –Evaluation –Reporting Mutual authority & accountability for results Shared resources and rewards

Barriers to Collaboration Agency structure, routine, & culture Legislative mandates or limitations Professional and agency self-interest Inadequate understanding Resistance Time!

Partnership-Promoting Attributes Ability to Listen Consistency Reliability Accessibility Positive self-image Trust Sense of competence Effective interpersonal skills Success in prior collaborations Openness to others’ ideas

Building Blocks for Partnership Confidence: Feeling able to do it Motivation: Wanting to do it Effort: Being willing to work hard for it Responsibility: Doing what’s right Initiative: Moving into action Perseverance: Completing what you start

Building Blocks for Partnerships Caring: Showing concern for others Teamwork: working with others Common Sense: Using good judgment Problem-Solving: Putting what you know and what you can do into action Focus: Concentrating with a goal in mind

Essential Elements of the Framework Needs assessments Goal statements Prioritization of activities Strategy Development Implementation Plans Evaluation tools

Communication Strategies Regular, two-way, meaningful Variety of tools Establish opportunities to share information Provide clear information on expectations Disseminate information on policies, procedures, activities Provide opportunities for frequent, periodic meetings

Conflict Prevention Strategies Understand differing roles & responsibilities Clarity on roles, functions, bottom lines, expectations Discuss issues as they arise; don’t let them fester! First seek to understand, then to be understood

Conflict Resolution Strategies Don’t take disagreements personally…and don’t personalize disagreements! Use a facilitator Recheck & refocus on the vision & the goals: keep your eye on the prize! Agree to disagree