A Rubric for Assessing the Qualities of Partnerships

A Rubric for Assessing the Qualities of Partnerships Between Schools and Teacher Preparation Programs at Institutions of Higher Education Melissa Price Syracuse University New York Higher Education Support Center for Systems. Change May 2004

Purpose w to assess partnerships between schools and institution of higher education teacher preparation programs.

Uses The rubric may serve as: 1. a pre-program needs assessment from which an action plan can be drawn. 2. an ongoing self-assessment. 3. an observational tool for individuals seeking to learn more about such partnerships.

Origin w This rubric is an outgrowth of the work of the Task Force on Quality Inclusive Schooling over the course of 3 statewide meetings.

Developmental Levels Progress on Quality Indicators is stated in terms of developmental levels, which are intended to encourage partners to view the process as an opportunity for continuous improvement. 1 2 3 4 Drawing board Evolving Established Exemplary

Quality Indicators w w w w w 1: Shared vision 2: Membership 3: Collaboration 4: Communication 5: Institutionalization of the partnership 6: Partnership planning 7: Benefits to teacher preparation 8: Benefits to schools 9. Assessment and refinement

Evidence Developmental levels for each quality indicator should justified by evidence.

“Product” Testing w On March 26, 2004, twenty-two members of the Task Force on Quality Inclusive Schooling used the rubric for the first time in a simulation activity. w The results of the simulation were used to fine tune this rubric.

Piloting w Currently, members of the Long Island Regional Task Force and members of the Midwest Regional Task Force are independently piloting the rubric in May 2004. w Feedback from these pilots will inform future revisions.

Next Steps w In August 2004, invited partnerships will be invited to meet in Syracuse to use the rubric. w The products of this meeting will serve as exemplars. w We will develop a catalog of the types of evidence partners cite for each quality indicator.

For more information… w Contact Melissa Price at meprice@syr. edu