Standards of Operation

COOPERATIVE DECISION MAKING (CDM)

In order to assure successful implementation of the cooperative decision making (CDM) process, the district and the JCEA agree to incorporate the CDM Task Force report into this memorandum of understanding. Further, the parties agree to the following:

• Building CDM committees will develop norms which provide a safe environment for all stakeholders and encourage their full participation in the CDM process.
• The building CDM committee will operate separately from the building liaison committee, as provided for in Article 20.
• Funding for training will be made available in an amount to be determined on an annual basis in conjunction with the budget development process.
  

Introduction

The concept of shared decision making was first explored in January 1990 as an avenue to involve stakeholders and make better decisions in the district. A task force of representatives of the employee associations, PTA, and the district sponsored three district wide conversations for school employees and community members to create an action plan for shared decision making in Jeffco. In August 1991, the Board of Education adopted the Cooperative Decision Making Statement of Beliefs which states in part, "There is an expectation that schools and departments in the district will use a cooperative decision making process whenever appropriate."

A broad based task force worked for two years to identify common ingredients of successful models; determine unresolved issues; learn about needs and resources; and make recommendations based on 78 site interviews throughout the district.

In May 1993, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Board of Education and JCEA created a charge to the Cooperative Decision Making Task Force. The charge was: define cooperative decision making; clarify the scope and authority of decision making at work sites; determine training needed; and develop a transition process and
models, and a proposed timeline for implementation.

This document represents the work of the task force in fulfilling that charge. It is expected that all schools and work sites will have a functioning structure for cooperative decision making by September 1996. Students and their proficiencies are the primary focus of all cooperative decisions made at each work site and serve as the foundation for a student centered vision.

Cooperative decision making works best in a context which ensures broad based representation of primary clients including: students, parents, employees, and the community. Other participants can be included in the process, as the need requires. Each school's accountability plan and each work site's goals and objectives will reflect a student centered vision. These will provide the necessary framework for effective implementation of a district wide, student centered quality program. It is expected that all decisions made are in compliance with federal and state regulations, employee agreements, and district policies and procedures.

The cooperative decision making process is flexible enough to ensure effective responses to varying situations and needs. Collaboration which seeks consensus enhances the potential for successful implementation of decisions. The cooperative decision making process will look different at the various work sites. A collaborative process will be used to determine: 1) which decisions will be collaborative, consultative, or command at a given work site; 2) which decision making methods will be used; 3) in which areas of scope and authority cooperative decision making will occur; and 4) what are the roles and responsibilities for implementation.

Definition

Cooperative decision making is a collaborative process that includes all of these elements:

• A commonly held, student-centered vision
• A climate of trust
• A respect for diverse ideas and interests
• An open dialogue and debate
• A shared leadership, accountability, authority, and responsibility
• An actively involved, broad based representation of employees, parents, students, and the community.
  

The goal of cooperative decision making is to continuously improve education for the students in Jefferson County Public Schools.

Types of Decisions

CDM recognizes that there are different types of decisions:

• Collaborative: Decisions made by stakeholders and/or representatives of stakeholder groups. Collaboration based on consensus ensures that all stakeholders will have a voice and will support the decisions.
• Consultative: Decisions made by the designated individuals after consultation with stakeholders and/or representatives of stakeholder groups.
• Command: Decisions made by the designated individuals without consultation with stakeholders and/or representatives of stakeholder groups. Read more.