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Staff » Collaborative Leadership Model

Collaborative Leadership Model

Milltown Public Schools values shared decision making in seeking to continuously improve our learning environment.  Since 2018, Milltown Public Schools has been a proud member of the Public School Collaborative in partnership with Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations. Under the direction of Dr. Saul Rubinstein at the Rutgers Center for the Study of Collaboration in Work and Society, the Public Schools Collaborative model develops the understanding of effective collaboration, both as theory and as practice.  

The collaborative leadership model is a best practice toward improving teaching and learning.  Research has shown the following benefits in collaborative partnerships within education:

  • Labor Management Collaborative Partnerships, which include a shared vision for schools and districts, shared decision making and formal collaboration process, are linked to student achievement gains, even in socio-economically challenged districts;
  • Labor Management Collaborative Partnerships lead to innovation in schools/ districts advancing student learning;
  • Labor Management Collaborative Partnerships lead to changes in traditional roles among teachers, unions, administrators and boards leading to shared decision-making at the school/district level; and
  • Labor Management Partnerships result in a more positive and productive school climate, setting the foundation for collaborative work on teaching and learning.

The collaborative leadership model embeds a district leadership team (DLT) and school leadership teams (SLTs) that are comprised of Board members, administrators, teachers and staff within the culture of school operations.  Broad district goals are overseen by the DLT that acts as a steering committee for action plans related to the Strategic Plan and Comprehensive Equity Plan.  School goals are developed and managed by the SLTs who are empowered to take action toward addressing identified needs and concerns.  A decision-making continuum provides a framework to guide collaborative discussions. 

District Leadership Team (DLT)

  • Representatives of school and district administration, union and teacher leaders.
  • Establishes and communicates a shared district vision engaging broad and deep participation from stakeholder groups to carry out and realize district’s vision.
  • The District Leadership Team sets the direction and the selection of new initiatives.
  • Helps guide strategic plan goals and objectives and the selection of new initiatives.

 

School Leadership Team (SLT)

  • Principal, union building leadership, representatives from grade level and content areas.
  • Establishes and communicates the shared school mission and sets priorities for school operations.
  • The School Leadership Team sets the direction and pace for the school, consistent with an annual goal, and communicates progress to parents and the school community.
  • Identifies school-based issues and collaborates on an action plan toward solutions.
  • Monitors progress, assesses all aspects of school operations, and helps guide selection of new initiatives.

 

 

More Information

About the Public School Collaborative

Dr. Rubinstein: Impact of Labor Management Collaboration (video)