|
Synopsis of the Current K-16 Partnerships Literature
Characteristics of Effective Partnerships
- Clear, common goals developed together.
- Mutual trust and respect.
- Provision of sufficient time to develop & strengthen relationships at all levels.
- Quality and commitment of individuals – faculty & administrators.
- Continued, constant interaction between top management and faculty.
- Willingness to recognize and understand cycles and languages of the various segments: flexibility toward a variety of institutional policies and processes.
- Periodic formative evaluation of activities among partners.
- Shared responsibility and accountability among partners.
- Crisp and inclusive lines of communication.
Recommendations to Ensure Effectiveness
Recognize that partnerships are an evolutionary and interactive process. Partnerships are based on the ability of partners to engage in positive relationships and reach common goals.
Training in organizational change theory and process should be a part of the early developmental stages of the partnership. If partners are better schooled in the change process, they will be better able to recognize and to take advantage of the ebbs and flows of partnership growth.
Success for students underlies all partnership efforts.
Three Stages of Partner Development
- Stage one: Cooperative: Project
Based
-
Stage two: Symbolic: Mutual Benefit
- Stage three: Organic: Merged agendas, common goals, based on relationships, uses team approach . This is the ideal and ultimate goal of partnering.
Evaluation
- Evaluation is difficult work: ensure
sufficient resources, expertise and support.
- Evaluation is ongoing, not
just at the end.
- Data is open to all to assist in improving their work.
Structure
- Governance board
- Budget
- Staff support
- Top level commitment
- Orderly, oversight with minimal control & bureaucracy
- Document, analyze,
communicate successes & use to improve
|
