The Institute has expectations of how joint leadership teams think and work together. They are:

Focus on Teaching and Learning

• Have prioritized and jointly committed to improve student learning and enhance teacher quality through changes in policies, practices and procedures, including contractual language.

Examples of this commitment could include a union vote to participate in the Institute or a public statement from district decision-makers about pursuing collaborative policy change.

Action Plan for Results

• Have jointly developed a comprehensive plan of action to improve instructional practices and procedures. This plan will be data and research based, will positively impact student learning in measurable ways, and will include clear roles and responsibilities for both district and union representatives.

Collaboration for Results

• Have relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Have forums in place beyond contract negotiations that sustain joint work with district partners as they develop and implement their comprehensive plan.

Examples have included partnership councils with decision making authority, and regularly scheduled joint leadership meetings.

Commitment of Resources

• Have and will continue to commit human and financial resources to transforming the union-district relationship in a way that puts student learning and achievement at its center.
• Adopt or maintain an organizational structure that reflects this collaborative focus on improved student learning and teaching practices.

This structure could be reflected in committees, working groups or forums, dedicated staff or other enduring commitments.

Sharing the Work

• Will be transparent with their work and serve as case studies.

Will give and receive feedback with other Institute teams and cohorts and actively participate in Institute meetings and activities.