Partners and Collaboration

1. Partners and Collaboration Patty Landis – PA Geneva Leon – USDE Judy Hendrickson Associate Executive Director ACCET

2. "Although there is sometimes communication among accreditors, state officials, and federal officials, there is no overall structure to ensure that communication takes place or that it is effective." U.S. Accreditation and the Future of Quality Assurance, Peter Ewell, CHEA, 2008 p. 101

3. Type of Communication/Collaboration • Episodic • Based on personal and informal relationships • Sustained, regularized, institutionalized

4. BENEFITS OF COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS • Shared information to enhance decision-making • Knowledge of partner’s actions • Heads up re potential problems • Collaborate to solve problems • Share best practices • Mutual support

5. OBSTACLES TO COLLABORATION • Legal • Silos • Variations in Standards • Negative experiences • Lack of reciprocity • Workload

6. History of Collaborative Efforts CLC • Lessons Learned • Other case studies

7. Resources for Collaboration • NASASPS Listserv • USDE Monthly Report • Accrediting agency notifications • Joint visits • Career Education Review • Other state agencies (OVR, DOT, etc.) • Veteran’s Education • SEVIS • CCA and state organizations

8. Improving Collaboration • Respect confidentiality • Respect the needs and interests of partners • Be responsive • Respect differences in processes • Get clarification on what can be shared in your environment

9. Improving Collaboration, con’t • Share information whenever possible • Filter information to avoid overload • Network • Consider central repository of actions • Growing the Triad Partnership

10. Discussions and Questions • How can we overcome the obstacles to collaboration to establish better communication and cooperation?