P-16/K-16 Councils

Strong partnerships between public secondary and post-secondary educational institutions is seen as a critical expectation in meeting the goals of Texas' Closing the Gaps initiative. Without casting blame on any parties, the primary goals of P-16 Councils (regardless of the various names regional organizations have chosen) are to systemically align the educational spectrum to enhance curriculum so that more students graduate high school with college-ready skills, to reduce the numbers of students requiring developmental/remedial education when they enter college, to increase the numbers of students exiting high school and entering college, and to enhance a college-going culture for all children in public education.

1. Each institution must be willing to designate a person or office as the primary liaison for other partner institutions and hold them accountable - whether for specific project as an Early College High School - or for general programs such as dual credit, Tech Prep, College Connection, etc. Stay consistent - don't change the liaison every semester or year.
2. The institution must respect the partnership activities as a high priority - not a "secondary" priority that can be put off or subjugated to pressures of daily demands.
3. Get buy in and commitments up front from your Board members and CEOs.
4. Be persistent - don't give up. Our first Early College High School MOU took months and months to negotiate. The devil is always in the details. If you get commitment up front from the Boards and the CEOs, then doggedly pursue the details.
5. Follow through - you have to earn trust and credibility the old-fashioned way - with delivery of results.
6. Communicate, communicate, communicate - meet, call, email - so that you can work through misperceptions or clarify expectations.
7. Maintain respect - assume that your partners are as genuine and committed as you in obtaining what's best for students.
8. Constantly look for the "win wins." Be creative, flexible and pragmatic in serving the interest of all partners.
9. Utilize and include your community partners - adult education groups, CBOs, professional groups, political groups, church groups, etc. - they want to be involved and participate in the "win wins" as well.
10. Celebrate - share your good news and and rewards of everyone having done a good job.

Resources

• Texas Education Agency Office of P-16 Initiatives
• Greater Houston P-16+ Council By-Laws (Draft)
• Alamo Community College District P-16 Council
• E³Alliance (Austin)
• El Paso Community College District P-16 Council
• Greater Houston P-16+ Council

Suggestion/Comment?