Implementation Tools

How Can Schools Develop Relationships
With Outreach Programs?

Relationship to framework

Because of difficulties such as severe inequities, inadequate resources, and insufficient capacity, many schools fail to adequately prepare all students for postsecondary education. Pre-college outreach programs work to fill in the gaps, helping underserved and disadvantaged students attend and graduate college. Though both schools and outreach programs are committed to ensuring student success, few coordinate with one another. It is key to distinguish between coordination, which involves networking and sharing information, and collaboration, which involves joint planning and power sharing. Early on, it is important to decide what type of relationship schools are working to develop.

Purpose

To provide a self-evaluation tool to determine what the relationship could look like between schools and college outreach programs.

Outcomes

School and college outreach practitioners will be able to:

Evaluate present programs.

Discuss possible changes to strengthen relationships.

Begin to plan changes.

How to use

This tool may be used in discussions between school and college outreach practitioners. It can also be used to structure meetings or to share as background information.

When to use

Anytime

Directions:

Read the following descriptions of positive, productive relationships between schools and college outreach programs.
Use the descriptions to create your own plan to build long-term relationships with outreach programs.

How can we work together…

To provide information on available assistance to students and families?
Invite outreach programs and support services at colleges to 1) participate in college nights and fairs at your school and 2) present information in classes or special assemblies.

To connect students to outreach programs and services?
Compile a list of outreach programs available to students in your school, along with the criteria for participation and the services that each program provides. Disseminate the list to teachers, guidance counselors, students, and parents. Counselors can also use the list to refer students to specific programs.

To help students and families access outreach program services?
Welcome outreach programs to use school facilities for tutoring hours, classroom instruction, and other activities. Make sure that students at your school are eligible to take advantage of the services provided.

How can my school collaborate with outreach programs?

Assemble a team of teachers, counselors, and administrators that will work together with local outreach programs to increase college preparation and access.
Contact local outreach programs including those based in local communities, on college campuses, and in non-profit organizations to serve on a college access liaison team. Invite representatives from other area schools, colleges and universities, and the school district.
Meet with members of the college access liaison team to develop a collective vision, short-term and long-term goals, and a plan of action to achieve them.
Gather information and assemble resources, such as funding for collaborative projects and tools for evaluation.
Implement plans, including both projects and steps toward systemic change. Partners should expect to experience some change in their day-to-day operations and work toward positive change in the system overall.
Measure short-term impacts and disseminate the findings. Provide for long-term evaluation.

Sustaining long-term collaborations
Collaborations can quickly dissolve because of unanticipated conflicts. Discussing potential problems before they arise will help to sustain partnerships over a long-term period, a critical component in instituting systemic change.

The following is a list of common sites of conflict and suggestions about how to avoid them.

Communication and Data Sharing

Discuss how data will be collected for improved service delivery as well as evaluation.
Find ways to share information without violating privacy and confidentiality.
Consider ownership and control of the data when collected.

Control, Management, and Power Relations

Emphasize student-focused outcomes.
Avoid partnerships dominated by any one group.
Detail roles and responsibilities of each partner group and individual involved.