Collaborating with Institutions of Higher Education One State’s Story

Poll a) I currently teach at an IHE. How many of have worked at an institution of higher education? a) I currently teach at an IHE. b) I have taught at an IHE in the past. c) I have worked at an IHE in a non- instructional position.

Poll Our SPDG meets the IHE partnership requirement via: a) Sub contract(s) with IHE(s) b) IHE’s serve on management and/or advisory committees c) IHE(s) have responsibilities for direct operation of some or all of SPDG activities d) Other (select all that apply)

Poll Our state’s IHE’s work together and with the state education office to improve the quality of teaching practices: a) Routinely b) Occasionally c) Seldom d) Never

History in Florida Regional partnerships which managed a “comprehensive system of personnel development” Partnership included IHE, District, Discretionary projects and sometimes community organizations Vision-Assess needs and develop region specific PD Administrators Management Meeting Always sub contract to SUS Right folks at the table Vision excellent but takes a very skilled person to make the vision happen within a very competitive IHE system

Challenges Over time inconsistencies in operation Too region specific not comprehensive enough Heavy administrative costs Ownership Driven by largest group represented in meetings or by demographics (rural, specialized model but not a statewide need) Some programs available in one region but if teacher or para moved not available in new location, Nine directors, indirect on projects Whoever had partnership grant owned the collaborative process and could choose to include all IHEs or not 2009 Partnerships were disbanded

Concern Is practice ahead of preparation? Poll Is the general perception that personnel preparation programs in your state are adequately preparing educators to implement: RtI, PBS, UDL, Common Core

Poll How fast and well do college education courses reflect new directions in you state? Within a year and very well Within a few years and perhaps not with enough depth Most of our colleges do not pay much attention to state initiatives I have no idea In SUS lengthy process, needs assessment, curriculum committee, a year in advance for catalog etc. Easy to get bogged down and frustrated

Opportunities in Florida Lots of 325 T awardees Active interest Revitalized TED organization Interest on part of state leadership RTTT National Centers

Guiding Principles Focus on common goals Effective communication Alignment of common interests Receptiveness to ongoing feedback (iterative design) Takes time to develop and transfer to generalizable practices Need to find balance between theory and practice

Professional Development opportunities FDOE Information Sharing Opportunities to impact/inform policy Networking with peers/colleagues from other IHEs Other Listening at AMM and FLTED meetings evolved areas of shared interest Listening Needs Assessment Clusters

New Approach Responding to needs assessment results Identification of Shared Concerns Build on Annual Meeting Link with professional organization Better linkages with different offices in the department of education

Results 2011

Results 2012

Actions Use quarterly electronic newsletter Annual Summer Institute for IHEs Webinars (3 per year) on PD Topics requested Seek opportunities to build bridges between all parties Use this to provide info about new initiatives, upcoming training opportunities, highlight accomplishments, share info about recruitment for advisory committees etc. 1.5 day session, travel supported, moves around to host IHE, co-sponsor with FTED, feature most pressing PD request and updates and discussion with Bureau Chiefs Arrange based on high interest topics Squishy just listen, see resources and connect. look for opportunities to meet both parties needs and interests-for example recommendations for SAC Advisory, Teacher Certification Redesign, linkages if district has issue, related services projects etc.

Outcomes so far Broader reach RTTT support for program revisions Certification Redesign in new SPDG Private and independent and state colleges involved Especially around common core

Discussion How does this compare with your experiences?

Peg Sullivan msulliva@fgcu.edu 239 590-7748