ERIC Number: ED280197
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1987-Apr-23
Pages: 11
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Collaborative Inquiry in the Arkansas Education Renewal Consortium.
Kennedy, Robert L.
This report reviews the collaborative and evaluative efforts of an Arkansas education renewal consortium comprised of two universities and nine school districts. The reform originated from a smaller project that aimed to establish a broad communication base and systematic planning for meeting student needs. The current project, begun in 1985-86, also incorporated improved communication among district staff and community members as well as staff training, administrative leadership changes, and renewal expansion to other districts. By 1986-87, nine districts and two universities formed the consortium and adopted priorities that include: teacher education improvement, at-risk students, administrator preparation, clinical experiences, and data gathering and analysis. To meet these goals, consortium partners agreed to participate in collaborative inquiry. A task force recommended methods to document the renewal process, which included the following: letters of commitment from districts and universities, minutes of meetings, documentation of activities such as teacher workshops and public forums, a yearly evaluative survey of stakeholders' perceptions, and a yearly progress report. The consortium nevertheless expressed concerns about sufficient time to compile information and about the value of data. Sharing information on a regular basis enabled inquiry considerations during this developmental phase, and the renewal approach offered those persons with legitimate concerns opportunities for resolution. A list of consortium members is appended. (CJH)
Descriptors: College School Cooperation, Consortia, Cooperative Planning, Decision Making, Educational Change, Educational Planning, Elementary Secondary Education, Evaluation Criteria, Improvement Programs, Information Needs, Organizational Communication, Participative Decision Making, Program Development, School Community Relationship, Task Analysis, Teamwork
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Administrators; Policymakers; Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Arkansas
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A