K-12 Partnerships: The Basic How-Tos

There is no single model for today's K-12 partnerships. "A patchwork quilt" might be a good description, because each is unique, designed by many, and sewn together piece by piece.

But there is a single focus for successful partnerships. (Hint: The focus is not on school administrators, sponsoring corporations, community partners or publicity.) Students are the focus, the reason you come to the table in the first place.

There are some basic steps that potential K-12 partners can take. Think of the following as a roadmap. You can change the route or add a detour, but don't take your eyes off the final destination. If you can answer the following questions, you can get there.

1. What's the Problem?
   What is the need that has to be met? In other words, what's the purpose of your partnership? Is it to improve school-to-career preparation? Is it to increase social services? Is it to enhance technology resources? Define and understand what the problem is.
   
   
2. Who Will You Help?
   All K-12 students? A specific grade level or group? One particular school or a cross-section of the district? Decide who needs your help the most and who you are in the best position to assist.
   
   
3. Does a Solution to the Problem Already Exist?
   Are you sure that a solution to the problem isn't already in place? If so, how can you apply this solution to your need? If another group of partners is working on a solution, should you join forces? No one has the time or energy to reinvent the wheel.
   
   
4. What Are the Resources Needed to Solve the Problem?
   Do you need money? Good ideas? Expertise? Time? Once you have a clear idea of what you're looking for, you'll be in a better position to determine who the right partners should be.
   
   
5. Who Will the Partners Be?
   Who can contribute to the solution in a meaningful way? School administrators, teachers, business leaders, community liaisons, parents, students, and higher education representatives are some of the people to consider for your partnership team. Find the best combination of people to tackle the problem, then decide how you will convince them to join you.
   
   
6. What Do You Want to Accomplish?
   Exactly what are the goals of your partnership, and what specific outcomes do you envision? Answer these questions up front. Focus on a few realistic outcomes that can be seen, felt, measured and celebrated.
   
   
7. How Exactly Will You Accomplish Your Goals?
   Once you decide what the goals and objectives are, roll up your sleeves and figure out the "how tos." All good partners are resources, and each should take responsibility for a piece of the outcome.
   
   
8. How Much Will It Cost?
   What are the resources needed? Develop a budget, including dollars and in-kind services. Share the budget with colleagues who can give you a reality check; is what you're looking to spend too much or too little for the outcomes you've set out?
   
   
9. How Long Will it Take?
   Set timelines for specific accomplishments, even if your partnership will be ongoing. Nothing motivates people more than celebrating achievements along the way.
   
   
10. How Will You Measure Success?
    No one likes this question, but it's as necessary to ask as "What's the Problem?" Develop measures to support the problem you're trying to solve. If you're trying to enhance the use of technology in your school or school district, will you measure the number of teachers who attend training sessions or will you determine how well students are learning through computer technology? Also ask, "Who is in the best position to measure our success?"
    
    
11. How Will You Share Your Success?
    Once you've achieved your goals and benefited students, how will you share your success with others who could be helped by your work? Will you seek media publicity or recognition for the K-12 partners? Decide how to use your success to everyone's advantage.

Finally, ask yourself one more question: Where Will the Partnership Go From Here?
Is there a need for your partnership to continue, either formally or informally? If your goals and objectives have been met, is there another level to achieve? Solid partnerships are like those sturdy patchwork quilts; why disassemble them if they can help someone else? Decide the best future for your partnership.

For more information about K-12 partnerships, contact:

The New Jersey Association of Partners in Education
c/o NJASA
920 West State Street
Trenton, NJ 08618
Phone: 609-599-2900
www.njapie.org

08-03 - New Jersey Association of Partners in Education

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