Developing Effective Education for Enterprise 
Learning Partnerships with the Community

Key Considerations Checklist:

What is an Effective Community Partnership?

Key Factors	/—	
A sustainable, mutually beneficial relationship between at least two community organisations.		
The outcomes for the partnership are both clearly identifiable and measurable.		
The partnership is a ‘Win-Win’ situation which requires positive outcomes for all parties.		
Effective partnerships take time to build and are based on mutual respect.		
Open and thorough communication is essential.		
Consideration (effort and input) from all parties is required.		

Why do we need Community Partnerships?

Key Factors	/—	
To encourage and foster community connectedness.		
To encourage and foster communication and dialogue.		
To provide the opportunity to enhance the delivery of the school curriculum.		
To provide relevant and authentic learning contexts for learning.		
To provide an avenue for community involvement in the education of our young people.		
To encourage and foster student engagement in learning.		
To provide students with an opportunity to have a go at something real and be able to apply their knowledge and skills. 		

How do we develop Effective Partnerships?

Step 1: Take Stock
Aspects	Notes	
What is the reason for forming a relationship with the community?		
What are the desired potential outcomes for each of the parties in the partnership?		
What are the potential gains to each party from the relationship?		
What are the potential contributions from each party to the relationship?		
Review current or potential links that already exist.		
Identify potential goals and objectives; these must be achievable by all parties.		

Step 2: Identify key Issues associated with the Partnership
Aspects	Notes	
Acknowledge that there maybe different and potentially conflicting goals for each party. 		
What are the time considerations associated with the partnership?		
What are the resource implications for the partnership? 		

Step 3: Negotiate Partnership Objectives
Aspects	Notes	
Each party needs to consider their own needs and goals.		
Collectively negotiate a set of objectives that meet the needs of all parties. 		

Step 4: Plan the Partnership Activities
Aspects	Notes	
Identify Key Competencies and Enterprising Attributes.		
Identify knowledge objects and curriculum links.		
Collectively develop action plans for activities associated with the partnership.		
Identify and allocate resources and responsibilities associated with the action plans.		

Step 5: Evaluate Progress
Aspects	Notes	
Develop a system for reviewing progress against agreed outcomes. Identify sources of evidence.		
Implement activities and collect relevant evidence.		
Collectively review progress and outcomes. Contemplate the next steps in the partnership.