Appreciative Inquiry Breaks Down Walls: Foundation Facilitation of District and University Collaboration

• In Event: 65.080 - Roundtable Session 24
  In Roundtable Session: 65.080-3 - Philanthropy and Education Case Studies: From Control to Collaboration

Abstract

Too often, multiple organizations stumble over one another trying to serve public schools. How can foundations promote collaboration among such organizations? This descriptive, mixed-methods study examines a family foundation’s use of Leadership Meetings and the appreciative inquiry process to improve collaboration between a district and university, jointly designing and implementing a graduate program in literacy for in-service teachers. Through an examination of surveys, meeting agendas, and meeting notes from a seven month period, the study found (1) the content of the meetings shifted from resolving technical challenges to proactive decision making, (2) appreciative inquiry, in particular, led to decision making on important project topics, and (3) the leaders’ short-term goals increased in number and their long-term goals became more ambitious.

Authors

• Caitlin Scott, Learning Policy Institute

• Elizabeth Gandhi, Education Northwest