For example, in one alliance, ten curriculum and instruction directors from SEAs in the region met several times during the year to design priorities, conduct development work, and share strategies and concerns. The Laboratory served as convener and moderator. The Laboratory was a co-developer and information provider. In yet a third alliance, a regional network of SEA policy analysts and advisors formed to offer opportunities for interaction and to respond to needs for educational research and policy information. A Laboratory initiated this alliance.
Joint ventures focus on a variety of topical areas with a range of federally funded partners.
One Laboratory worked with a state's resource center and the U.S. Department of Education to provide information and assistance related to charter schools. Another Laboratory, in partnership with ERIC, developed a publication on community-based learning in rural settings. In cooperation with other Laboratories, still another Laboratory took the lead in examining strategies for curriculum-based reform initiated across all 50 states. The four indicators for this objective are designed to capture key features of strategic alliances and joint ventures as well as customer and partner judgments about their significance and impact. The total number of alliances in which Laboratories have significant and sustained roles will increase over time.