Cooperation Strengthens Schools

No school day or school year is ever the same because of the uniqueness of people and situations including those that are difficult and need to be addressed every day in our schools. 

For instance, superintendents must often make unpopular decisions having far-ranging practical and emotional repercussions such as closing neighborhood schools. This action may be needed in order to balance budgets and keep districts solvent and under local control. However, prior to making a final decision about which school is to be closed, the entire community should be invited to discuss the issues and offer ideas that can lead to an agreeable resolution. This approach allows everyone the opportunity to participate in the decision making process that will have an enormous impact on the community.

Principals constantly want to foster cooperation in their school communities. However, there may be a disconnect between what is proposed, what is said and what is done by the administrator. For example, if honesty, transparency and effective discourse are the goals, the principal cannot afford to be seen as an enforcer of practices that undermine the relationships needed for the honest sharing of ideas.  A proven technique that a principal should deploy is to be open to the thinking of others and use words that encourage, rather than shut-down what might be fruitful feedback. Using this strategy will go a long way toward realizing a more inclusive and cooperative school community.  

Parent behavior either positive or negative has a great deal of influence in the way the school community responds to situations involving children. Perhaps, a parent who has the reputation of taking negative stances with a teacher and/or principal has not a clue of the importance of establishing cooperation with those responsible for educating their child. It may even lead to that moment when the parent comes to the building and unceremoniously “dresses down” a teacher or principal, which in turn, creates ripples of negativity throughout the school community. Educators willing to really listen, despite bad behavior on the part of the parent, will see the anger begin to dissipate.Once the parent is calm then together they can reach an understanding of how to resolve the issues. When educators and parents can work together, often amazing, positive and cooperative results can be realized.

These brief situational examples show us that cooperation is the medium that can solve practically any problem and used regularly can help change the trajectory of shared goals for student achievement and their method of attainment. 

However, many schools have difficulty collaborating effectively and developing school communities centered on a cooperative model. It requires leadership and demands that every person involved in the immediate day to day operation of a district or school from the superintendent to the custodian to collectively pool and deliver their best efforts. 

You can find more information on how to strengthen aspects of your school community in the guide, “Cooperation: The Key to Successful Schools and Communities”. For more tools and information visit our website at linkedk8.com.

“We must always keep in mind the two groups that depend on the positive support of everyone are the teachers and students in every classroom.”

                                                                                               Ellen Spencer,  Educator