1 Learning Collaboratives Jan M. Markiewicz, M.Ed. Director, Training Program National Center August 13, 2007

2 Learning Objectives Participants will be able to define a Learning Collaborative Participants will be able to describe the rationale for use of the Learning Collaborative Participants will be able to identify key elements of a Learning Collaborative

3 What is a Learning Collaborative? The Learning Collaborative approach is an adoption and improvement model that is focused on spreading and adapting best practices across multiple settings and creating changes within organizations that promote the delivery of effective practices.

4 Why Use a Learning Collaborative? 1.Traditional training has often not changed practice. Organizations continue to face challenges around the adoption of a particular treatment practice in their setting. 2.The Network has developed to a point where we need to provide alternative approaches to training and apply proven methodologies for increasing successful implementation and adoption of trauma-focused practices. 3.Provides an opportunity for organizations who are struggling with adoption and adaptation challenges to share innovations and solutions to common barriers. 4.Creates a forum for the exchange of experiences and ongoing feedback that will enable the learners to become each other’s teachers.

5 Key Elements of a Learning Collaborative A model that focuses on adoption of best practices in diverse service settings and emphasizes adult learning principles, interactive training methods, and skill-focused learning. A learning process that brings together teams from multiple NCTSN centers working on improving a process, practice, or system and learning from their collective experiences and challenges. A model that requires focused work by each team to adapt effective practices to their settings over the course of a 9-18 month learning process.

6 Key Elements of a Learning Collaborative An ongoing learning process that includes the following components: *Approximately three in-person learning sessions over the course of 9-12 months, *Follow-up consultation activities (through phone and internet), feedback loops, and resources to support sustained learning, and, *Opportunities to practice new skills and share progress through the Collaborative. A model that uses methods for accelerating improvement in settings and capitalizes on shared learning and collaboration. Designed to ensure organizational “give and take” about critical issues related to adoption and adaptation.

7 How do you learn more about upcoming Learning Collaboratives within the Network? Schedule Information included in New Grantee packets and posted in the Training section on the NCTSN website. New Collaboratives will have two informational calls and an application period for applicants. Contact the Training Program for more information.

8 Additional Information, Help, or Resources Jan Markiewicz Director of Training Training section of NCTSN website Learning Collaborative Information Packet in training section For more information about IHI, you can visit their website at