1. Developing a Culturally Competent Model of Collaboration to Impact Student Achievement Donna Elam, Ed.D. University of South Florida Jesus Jara The College Board Lynn Fell Hillsborough County Public Schools

2. Partnerships Tampa Bay Educational Partnership (TBEP) – Anchin Research Center, COEDU, USF – Hillsborough County Public Schools College Board – Florida Partnership – EXCELerator schools

3. Why do we partner? Collaboration is a valued activity for partnering organizations. Shared resources, as well as shared responsibilities, can lead to reduced costs and positive outcomes for all members of the partnership.

4. Key Components to Successful Collaboration Shared Vision Mutual Trust Distinctive Goals

5. Factors Affecting Success in Collaboration Shared Vision History of collaboration or cooperation Group seen as legitimate leader Favorable political and social climate Appropriate cross section of members Members see collaboration as in their self interest Members share a stake in both process and outcome Multiple layers of participation Unique purpose

6. Factors Affecting Success in Collaboration History of collaboration or cooperation Group seen as legitimate leader Members share a stake in both process and outcome Flexibility Adaptability Open and frequent communications Established formal and informal relationships Skilled leadership Mutual Trust

7. Factors Affecting Success in Collaboration Group seen as legitimate leader Appropriate cross section of members Members see collaboration as in their self interest Ability to compromise Multiple layers of participation Development of clear goals and policy guidelines Appropriate pace of development Concrete attainable goals and objectives Unique purpose Sufficient funds, staff, materials, and time Distinctive Goals

8. Elements of Shared Vision Meet regularly to determine goals and vision Build relationships – takes time Identify needs, strengths of each organization

9. Elements of Mutual Trust Shared vision builds trust Trust produces camaraderie, camaraderie produces trust Similar values and norms

10. Challenges Lack of time, lack of strategies for time management Lack of sustained motivation, loss of interest Poor informal and formal communication Impersonal or infrequent communication Changes in leadership Changes in personnel

11. Examples: Project A Large, state-wide grant Four major partners, each with key role One partner consistently fails to meet timelines, attend teleconferences, follow procedures set by group at beginning of project

12. Project B K-12, content specific project Additional community partners One partner consistently requests changes to project activities Internal communication challenges within one organization

13. Project C Inflexible Project Director Personnel within organization have own agenda Resistance to Change

14. Project D Higher leadership of organizations unable to fulfill responsibilities in a timely manner Some personnel unwilling to follow project goals, organizational leadership

15. Project E Project Director flexible, meets regularly with partners, has sense of humor Needed changes discussed by group, decided by consensus Communication is clear and personable

16. Next Steps…….. Partnership fit – What is your mission/vision? – What are your priorities? – What is your commitment to partnering?

17. Contact Information Donna Elam – Elam@coedu.usf.edu Elam@coedu.usf.edu Jesus Jara – jjara@collegeboard.org jjara@collegeboard.org Lynn Fell – Lynn.Fell@sdhc.k12.fl.us Lynn.Fell@sdhc.k12.fl.us