Transparent Collaboration
Transparent Collaboration is about open, honest communication and valuing stakeholder input. Marzano (2003) states that community stakeholder input is invaluable. School systems should strive to obtain public opinion and support of (a) understanding balanced subject matter, (b) resource planning, (c) financial contributions and corporate involvement, which will increase (d) attendance (Marzano as cited in Cookenmaster, Dickerson, Trujillo and Wilson, 2008). A balance must be achieved when asking the community for input regarding the school operations (Gilmore, Lovett, Verstappen, & Clarke, 2008). Marzano speaks about public input increasing communication between the school and community. Gilmore, et al cautions that merely informing parents or the community produces little substantive change.
Acting in a cyclical nature, with the leadership at the core of the discussion, Gilmore, et al (2008) suggests a ripple-effect pattern. The wave of involvement moves from the Conference to the principal, from principal to the board and the staff, from staff to students, from students to the home and community. This wheel of involvement permits the community at large to (a) give the school feedback, (b) participate in school sponsored activities, (c) participate in the articulation process, (d) make important decisions regarding change processes, and (e) own the responsibility for action (Gilmore, et Sal).