Transformational Partnership: An Appreciative Inquiry Approach To Creating An Empowered, Collaborative Education-Focused Organization

• In Event: Exploring the Impact and Influence of Collaborative School-University Partnerships

Abstract

The purpose of this study describes effects of the second year of an ongoing partnership between an education-focused urban drug court and a major research extensive university. Nine purposively selected participants were engaged in the four stages of the Appreciative Inquiry (AI) Summit to create and implement a sustainable, healthy work place culture. There were four results. Participants: developed a strong sense of personal and collective empowerment; created a compelling vision for a sustainable, healthy work place culture; created a blueprint to achieve their vision; and, generated important action steps to implement a sustainable, healthy work place culture. The scholarly significance of our AI research suggests its application with public schools seeking to create a sustainable healthy educational culture.

Authors

• Raymond L. Calabrese, The Ohio State University

• Erik Cohen, The Ohio State University

• Dustin Wade Miller, Grizzell Middle School