Meeting Mandates: Cooperation, Communication, Coercion 25th ANNUAL FORUM AND MIS CONFERENCE February 16, 2012

Introduction of Panel Members David Weinberger, Ph.D., Executive Director, Student Information, Assessment & Reporting, Yonkers Public Schools, NY Marilyn King, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Bozeman School District #7, MT Linda Atwood, Operations Research Analyst, Montana Office of Public Instruction, MT John Metcalfe, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Fremont County School District #1, WY Tom Howell, SEA Director, Center for Educational Performance and Information, MI Kristina Martin, Director of Management Technology, Macomb Intermediate School District, MI Sonya Edwards, Education Administrator, California Department of Education, CA Laurel Krsek, Director, Technology, Napa Valley Unified School District, CA

Purpose: Exploring solutions to identify points of integration and interference and improve collaboration. Keeping the consensus process in mind, this panel discussion and audience participation will result in a list of "best outcomes" strategies for how SEAs and LEAs can work together to meet data mandates that can be shared with governance entities at both the state and local levels. Explore and update the present situation and how it got to be that way, with specific examples. Develop short and long term strategies for SEA-LEA collaboration, that would foster best case outcomes. Create a document that may be shared within your state/local entities.

THE EVIDENCE OF UNRESOLVED CONFLICT IN OUR ENVIRONMENT polarization poor communication "distance and space" grief Bullying "us versus them" mentality lack of credibility lack of interest in cooperative effort as manifested in exclusion or inattention lack of interest/participation in reporting

The Consensus Process IF YOU: LISTEN WITH RESPECT... UNDERSTANDING, TRUST, LEARNING, A NEW TRUTH, GROWING, RESOLVING ADAPTING WILL RESULT.

Part I - Describe: Picture of the Problem Picture of a Functional Situation SEAs and LEAs are drowning in paperwork and reporting mandates. Communication gaps. Frustration. Lack of time. Lack of resources to get the job done. Differences in priorities....and “The Elephant in the Room”…MANDATES: SEAs and LEAs are not equal participants in the reporting process. Illustrations: -Panel SEA/LEA members tell their experience -Audience member participation about their experience

Part II - WHAT DO YOU NEED? How do we account for organizational differences to get our jobs done? Task: Work in small groups to develop answers to: 1. What would the characteristics of a functional process/system look like? 2. What does each stakeholder group need to resolve impediments? 3. Write ideas on 3x5 cards. 4. Share in small groups. 5. Report out. Documentation by Facilitator.

TAKE-AWAY Please make sure that you have signed in with your contact information. You will receive a copy of short- and long-term strategies for SEA-LEA collaboration that would foster best case outcomes. Thank you for your participation!