Chapter 1: The Fundamentals of Collaboration

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Chapter 1The Fundamentals of Collaboration

• Interactions
• SPED 443

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Introduction

• Collaboration has become an integral part of
  todays schools.
• Collaborative interactions occur both formally
  and informally.
• Collaboration is the common thread in the many
  innovations of schools.

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Collaboration Concepts

• Collaboration is a style for direct interaction
  between at least 2 coequal parties voluntarily
  engaged in shared decision making as they work
  toward a common goal.
• Style is the approach individuals use to interact
  with one another.

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Characteristics of Collaboration

• Collaboration is voluntary
• Collaboration requires parity among participants
• Contributions are equally valued
• Each person has equal power in decision making
• Collaboration is based on mutual goals

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Characteristics (continued)

• Depends on shared responsibility for
  participation and decision making
• Individuals who collaborate share resources
• Individuals who collaborate share accountability
  for outcomes

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Emergent Characteristics of Collaboration

• Individuals who collaborate value this
  interpersonal style
• Professionals who collaborate trust one another
• A sense of community evolves from collaboration

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Dilemmas of Collaboration

• School structure
• Professional socialization
• Pragmatic issues

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Social Trends of Collaboration

• Vast majority of jobs in the 21st century are in
  service industries in which interactions to meet
  customers needs are necessary.
• The accelerated flow of information has increased
  a reliance on collaboration.
• Research concludes that employees feel more
  valued when they are part of the decision making
  process, which increases their sense of
  ownership.

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Social Trends (continued)

• Collaboration is becoming an expected approach of
  professional interactions throughout the world
  (Internet).
• Collaboration has become increasingly important
  in the human services.

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School Collaboration

• The goal is to provide enhanced instruction to
  improve student learning.
• The middle school model is premised on strong
  collaboration amongst teachers.
• School-university partnerships
• -professional development school (PDS)

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School Collaboration (continued)

• Peer collaboration is when students work with
  partners on instructional tasks. Research has
  shown that students generally learn more.
• Principals are forming school leadership teams to
  make decisions on critical issues.

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Special Education Collaboration

• IDEA has made collaboration a required part of
  special education.
• General education teacher must help develop and
  implement IEP
• Team decision on LRE of students
• Multidisciplinary team to conduct assessments
• Transition plans involve parents, schools, and
  outside agencies

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Collaboration and IDEA (continued)

• Functional behavior assessments and behavior
  intervention plans are required for students with
  severe behavior problems
• Paraprofessionals must receive training and
  supervision
• Mediation

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Special Education Collaboration (continued)

• College preparation courses are offered on
  collaboration.
• Confusion has occurred with collaboration,
  because in some schools, collaboration and
  inclusion are used interchangeably.
• Early intervention services are based on
  collaboration between parents and professionals.

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Components of Collaboration