Collaboration Skills and Service Coordination Instructor Stacia Abe

Collaboration Skills and Service Coordination Instructor: Stacia Abe

Fundamentals of Collaboration is essential to the practices of effective educators and the culture of successful schools. In Chapter 1, you will learn What collaboration is (and is not) Why it can be so challenging How it fits into a broader societal context Learner Objectives Read through the Learner Objectives on Page 3. Share with a partner: One area in of which you are already familiar or somewhat familiar One area that you are really interested to know more about Read through the Introduction to Chapter 1 (Including the scenario in the blue box at the beginning of the chapter).

Fundamentals of Collaboration Three critical points for understanding the premise of the text: 1. Collaboration has become an integral part of today’s schools a) b) c) 2. General trend of expanding and increasingly complex responsibilities that are realistically addressed when professionals pool their talents. High standards for student achievement and clear accountability systems for all students set by NCLB 2001. The continued trend toward inclusive practices. Collaborative Interactions occur both formally and informally Informal Collaboration: i. Occurs often whether or not a context for collaboration has been fostered and whether or not any formal structures are in place. ii. Examples: meetings between teachers to respond to immediate student needs, phone calls to parents, etc. b. Formal Collaboration: i. Typically requires that strong leadership has ensured that a collaborative school culture, that values collegial interactions, has been created. ii. Examples: leadership teams, middle school teams, co-teaching, student study teams, etc. a.

Fundamentals of Collaboration Three critical points for understanding the premise of the text: 3. The text is based on the belief that collaboration is the common thread in many current initiatives for school reform. Collaboration is critical as educators tackle differentiated instruction, standards of accountability, high-stakes testing, working with parents and families of increasingly diverse student groups, and more. b. Collaboration is also an integral part of Special Education through initial referrals, assessment procedures, IEP development, service delivery approaches, conflict resolution, and parent participation. a.

Defining Collaboration Read in the text: Start: Collaboration Concepts on page 6 End: Before Defining Characteristics of Collaboration on page 8 Share with a partner: What collaboration is (define) What collaboration is not Why does the author call collaboration a style?

Defining Collaboration What it is not: Just an educational buzzword Just “working together” A synonym for teaming, consultation, co-teaching, inclusion (These concepts are related to collaboration but are not collaboration) What it is: Interpersonal collaboration is a style for direct interaction between at least two coequal parties voluntarily engaged in shared decision making as they work toward a common goal.

Collaboration as a Style Referring to collaboration as a style enables you to distinguish the nature of the interpersonal relationship that is occurring during shared interactions from the actual activities themselves, such as teaming, problem solving, or co -teaching. Collaboration cannot exist in isolation. It can only occur when it is used by people who are engaged in a specific process, task, or activity. Collaboration conveys how the activity is occurring and refers to the nature of the interpersonal relationship and the ways in which communication is occurring.

Characteristics of Collaboration Read in the text: Defining Characteristics of Collaboration (pages 8 -top of 13) Activity: Use the diagram on Handout 1. 2 to take notes about the six different characteristics of collaboration. Share with a partner

Characteristics of Collaboration Handout 1. 2 Parity Mutual Goals Voluntary Collaboration Shared Accountability Shared Responsibility Shared Resources

Characteristics of Collaboration is Voluntary It is not possible to force people to use a particular style (i. e. collaboration) in their interactions with others. Schools and other education agencies can require staff to work in close proximity, but only the individuals involved can decide if a collaborative style will be used in their interactions. Cultural diversity – Keep in mind when interacting with parents from other cultures, collaboration between teachers and families may or may not be seen as appropriate. Some cultures see learning as the business or the school, not parents, and it would not occur to them that communication in a collaborative style would be appropriate. Collaboration Requires Parity Among Participants Each person’s contribution must be equally valued and each person has equal power in decision making. Be aware of cultural differences, gender bias, and dis-empowered parents. Individuals may have parity as they work together on a specific collaborative activity even though they do not have parity in other situations.

Characteristics of Collaboration is Based on Mutual Goals Individuals who collaborate must share at least one goal. In a group without a strong commitment to collaboration, the focus is likely to remain on the apparently disparate goals, and the matter may become contentious. A collaborative group will look at the greater goal and will resolve their differences. Professionals do not have to share many or all goals in order to collaborate, just one that is specific and important enough to maintain their shared commitment. Collaboration Depends on Shared Responsibility for Participation and Decision Making When collaborating, you must assume the responsibility of actively engaging in the activity and the decision making it involves. It is important to distinguish between responsibility for completing tasks associated with the collaborative activity and responsibility for the decision making involved in that activity.

Characteristics of Collaboration Individuals Who Collaborate Share Resources Each individual has resources to contribute that are valuable for reaching the shared goal. Type of resources depends on roles and the specific activity. Sharing resources is sometimes the key motivator for individuals to collaborate. Individuals Who Collaborate Share Accountability for Outcomes Whether the results of a collaboration are positive or negative, all the participating individuals are accountable for the outcome.

Characteristics of Collaboration Jigsaw Activity (rest of Chapter 1) Emergent Characteristics (page 13) The Dilemmas of Collaboration (page 14) Collaboration in a Contemporary Context/Societal Trends (page 17) School Collaboration (page 18) Special Education Collaboration (page 20) Framework for Learning about Collaboration (page 22) Read your assigned section. With your partner, create a poster to share out with the class.

A Framework for Learning About Collaboration Communication Skills Interaction Processes Programs or Services Context

How Do You Collaborate? Complete Handout 1. 1 Share with partners Be prepared to share something with the class about how you collaborate or an area you would like to improve.

Homework – Due next week Read Chapter 2: Interpersonal Problem Solving Be prepared for discussion of the situation and questions #2 and #5 on p. 52 -53 Read Chapter 7: Practical Matters Be prepared for discussion of questions 2 -4 on p. 183 Decide on 2 -3 possible topics for your Staff Development or Parent Training Presentation. Email me at abe. stacia 7409@gmail. com with “Collaboration-Your First & Last Name” in subject line, no message necessary, so I’ll have your correct email. Thank You!