Rather, our research indicates that the how- to's come from figuring out that you need to engage teachers and staff, parents and the community in different ways. Simple Concepts for Complex Relationships Use symbols and themes to bring people together around things they mutually value. Reduce complex issues to simple visions the farther you move from the school. Ensure open sharing of information and data, both inside and outside the school. Empower many new leaders.
Engagement is most successful when there are multiple leaders.
Create an atmosphere of shared responsibility and mutual accountability. Know that increased achievement drives the expectation of participation. Initiating huge engagement won't create the trust that comes from small but meaningful wins. These potentially powerful relationships are founded on active listening, sharing information, building partnerships and finding common ground. Trust is a major ingredient in the success of these new collaborations as school doors are opened and outsiders are invited into principals' offices, classrooms and assembly halls.