Collaboration is in its simplest, and most understandable form, is getting individuals, who may or may not have similar interests, to work together in an organized endeavor to a satisfying and most appropriate group end. For VCEF and our Advisory Council collaboration takes place when members of an inclusive learning community work together as equals to assist students, parents, teachers, administrators, government, business/industry success from classroom to career. Friend and Cook (1992, p. 6 - 28) listed the defining characteristics of successful collaboration as follows:
1. Collaboration is voluntary;
2. Collaboration requires parity among participants;
3. Collaboration is based on mutual goals;
4. Collaboration depends on shared responsibility for participation and
decisionmaking;
5. Individuals who collaborate share their resources; and
6. Individuals who collaborate share accountability for outcomes.
VCEF will engage government, educators, local leaders, advocates, communities, students, parents and industry stakeholders into collaborative discussions to help strengthen educational pathways to the 21st Century Workforce
.
