1. Ardmore Cradle to Career Partnership
The case For change
Ardmore Cradle to Career Partnership
Ardmore is such a great community. We have never shied from a challenge. Both our business and community leaders recognized the need to find a solution for ensuring a qualified workforce. In our research, we knew that we would not be successful without new and innovative ideas.
Our rural setting provided some additional considerations, but also some benefits.
Last fall we began our community conversations on education and in January began working with the StriveTogether organization to develop a partnership in southern Oklahoma.
We choose the StriveTogether model to use in our partnership. The Strive model is very comprehensive and is based on the Theory of Action
Theory Information

2. The primary motivation for our partnership was the recognition of the gap in our current work force. We viewed this as a critical issue for our business and industry partners to ensure their continued existence, but also for the continued viability of our community. If we could nto provide the workforce, then industry would look elsewhere. Good educational systems are a major consideration with individuals on their choice of where to live and work.

3. Just a quick glance reinforces the importance of the work we are attemptong to do.
Source: Oklahoma’s Business Case for Education Reform

4. The timeline for our partnership –
Jan – planning with Strive personnel
April – leadership planning retreat
Difference: involved all five districts contiguous to Ardmore – they all represented the local workforce
April meeting identified goals and resulted in the formation of 3 core committees to work to refine ideas and suggestions prior to the Design Institute
Design Institute was held the end of June with over 65 community participants from all areas.
The outcome of the Institute was the creation and adoption of the vision, mission and goals for the partnership.
The committees received input and continued their work through August
Idea of areas covered

5. Partners in Education – Southern Oklahoma
Vision
Building minds and lives together cradle to career
Mission
Education success through community collaboration

6. Partners In Education – Southern Oklahoma
GOALS:
*Every Child Prepared for public/private school
*Every Child supported inside and outside of school
*Every Child succeeds academically
*Every Child enrolls in a post-secondary or industry credential program or enters military service
*Every Child attains a post-secondary education and/or industry or military credential
*Every Child is equipped to become effective and productive citizen

7. Implementation and Accountability Structure
Board of Directors
(Steering Committee)
Strategic Guidance
Leadership /Executive Committee
Board Officers
Provide additional strategic guidance
Work with Operational Team
Operations Team
Partnership Coordinator/Executive Director
Data Analyst
*Responsible for the implementation and oversight of the partnership
Communications
Community Advisory
Committee
Education Advisory
Committee
Workforce Advisory
Committee
- The proposed structure allows for a Board of Directors to lead the Ardmore C2C Partnership.
A Leadership/Executive Committee will provide additional guidance and interact with staff on a regular basis.
The Operations Team will consist of a Partnership Coordinator/Executive Director (title and job description to be determined), Data Analyst and will coordinate the communications function.
Advisory Committees will interact with the Operations Team to provide input and assist with the review of the partnership activities
The “Teams” will provide the expertise and assist in the implementation and provide the relationship with different sectors or the community engaged in the Partnership
Data Team
Parent Advisory Team
Youth Advisory Team
Health & Wellness Team
Citizenship
Team
Outreach Team
101 W. Pleasant Street . Suite Milwaukee, WI tel

8. And today………… The difference in this initiative?
How to measure success
Continuous Improvement – What does that mean?
Early Success!!!!
Difference: the partnership will move at the speed of trust
It requires you to think about what you are doing differently everyday
Must understand organizational structure – do not create new programs – integrate existing into the partnership
All decisions are data driven – cannot be an outcome with out measurable results – can be direct/indirect
KEY Component: Must report to community
Continuous improvement