Advocating

Content 1

It is in the interest of both the District and the Association that the terms of the Agreement be understood and enforced.  The Agreement between the District and the Association is typically referred to as the teachers’ contract.  In some quarters, this reference implies that the Agreement is solely for the benefit of the teachers and minimizes the benefits that result to the District through the Agreement.

Enforcement of and compliance with the Agreement is essential.  However, both parties have a greater interest in developing a joint ownership and commitment in terms of both the letter and spirit of the Agreement.  The Agreement will become essential to furthering the desired partnership between the District and the Association. The District and the Association recognize their collective responsibility to promote positive change in the Denver Public Schools in an effort to promote education reform to benefit all students and to ensure professional collaboration between the District and the Association.  Following is a systemic framework for improving the enforcement of the Agreement while laying a foundation for joint ownership and a greater commitment to living under the terms of the Agreement.

• Interest-Based Bargaining. Our use of Interest-Based Bargaining will contribute to the joint ownership, enforcement and commitment of the resulting Agreement.  We are aware of our efforts and the environment that it is creating for a strong partnership relationship.  We recommend utilizing an Interest-Based approach for problem solving and decision making in all areas of the District.


• The Agreement. The Agreement reflects the core beliefs and values of the District and the Association. It utilizes clear and unambiguous language to describe the procedures all teachers and administrators will follow.  In doing so, we will improve our success in increased learning for all students and closing the achievement gap.


• Training. We recognize the need for regular training jointly with administrators and teachers in this Agreement.  The training should focus not just on the rules, but also emphasize problem-solving skills and relationship building.


• Organizational Structure. Organizations in the District have an explicit role in supporting and promoting the enforcement of and commitment to the Agreement.  The Board and the Association governance bodies understand the importance of their roles, encouraging everyone in the District to respect the terms of the Agreement and use it as a tool to jointly resolve legitimate differences.


• Communications. A formal communications strategy will be developed to share and explain information about this Agreement.

In an effort to foster and support a greater commitment in terms of both the letter and spirit of the Agreement, the District and Association offer the following partnership guidelines. These guidelines suggest ways that will support positive change within Denver Public Schools in our efforts to resolve educational issues and to promote positive change to the benefit of all students.

In addition, these guidelines offer additional techniques to ensure more effective collaborative problem solving between the District and the Association.  It is important that we all make a concerted effort to utilize an Interest-Based approach for problem solving and decision-making in all areas of the District.

These guidelines can be applied at the District level, in the school building, and in one-on-one situations.  Our collective ability to successfully use this approach will contribute to and enhance a positive school and District climate.

Practical Guidelines.

Use an Interest-Based approach to problem solving.  Agree on what needs to be worked on.

• Jointly launch the initiative together.
• Take on issues honestly and openly – not based on who has the power.
• Focus on an outcome(s) that will advance the educational goals of the District.
• Have clear timelines and deliverables.
• Respect the views of all parties and their right and responsibility to express these views.

Contribute the best you have to work on the problem.
Recognize you may see things from different perspectives.
Disagree without being disagreeable.
Recognize each other’s roles as a representative of another constituent group.

• Jointly validate information received.

Gather necessary information before making a decision.
Gather expertise from both within and outside of the District.

• Jointly communicate in an appropriate and timely manner.

Have an in-depth communications plan.  
Communicate progress and final results.
Give the same answers together as partners.
Give each other a heads up – don’t blindside.
Assume the best of the other party, not the worst.

• Learn from your mistakes. 

Build in processes for evaluation and feedback.