Fall, 1998 No. 5 National Network of Partnership Schools
Members at Network Training Workshop Gain Ideas on Successful Action Teams At the spring 1998 training workshops for new members of the National Network of Partnership Schools at Johns Hopkins University, over 150 attendees from states, districts, and schools in the Network shared information on developing successful Action Teams for School, Family, and Community Partnerships. The session started with the basic distinction between a group and a team. Three main challenges to good team work were discussed, along with some solutions. Finding Time to Meet
Many Network members at the spring workshops said that finding time for meetings is a major obstacle to effective Action Team functioning. Workshop participants suggested several ways to overcome this obstacle. Some participants suggested creating a realistic meeting schedule. In some schools, monthly meetings are all that is required to ensure that Action Teams can discuss and implement activities outlined in the One-Year Action Plan. At other schools, Action Teams may meet more or less frequently. Whatever the meeting schedule, participants noted that Action Team members must make every effort to attend meetings and "not allow other things to take a greater priority." To ensure a steady flow of information and support between meetings, participants suggested that Action Team members use creative ways to communicate (e.g., routing memos) between formal meetings. Developing Trust, Respect, and Support
Several Network members observed that in order for an Action Team to function effectively, all members must feel that they can communicate openly and that they are supported in their efforts by other members of the Team. How can this be accomplished? Some participants suggested that Action Teams "take time for team building and developing team skills." The Action Team chairperson plays a key role in establishing and maintaining team cohesion, but all members must work together to create a "climate of trust, respect, and support." The attendees agreed that attention to this challenge should help to promote team stability and reduce the likelihood of "factionalism and fragmentation." Establishing Clear Goals and a Shared Vision
Workshop participants highlighted the importance of establishing clear goals and a shared vision for the effective functioning of Action Teams. They suggested that during the first Action Team meeting of each school year, all members should discuss the Team's purpose and goals, and review the One-Year Action Plan for the new school year. They also suggested that the Action Team should write down its purpose and goals, and refer to them if personal agendas emerge that override or compromise the Team's common agenda.Action Teams may face these or other challenges. Whatever the challenges may be, it is important to solve problems and maintain good team spirit. Remember, the Action Team is the "action arm" of a school’s partnership program, and vital to program development, progress, and success.
