STATEMENT OF INTEREST
between
BALL STATE UNIVERSITY

AND ___________________________ SCHOOL
CORPORATION

This document outlines the terms of a statement of interest between the ________________________ School Corporation and the Ball State University Teachers College relative to the creation of a collaborative planning partnership for the professional development of teachers and the training of future educators. It is the understanding of each party to this statement that future discussions may result in a formal partnership agreement based on conditions and terms which are of mutual benefit and interest. This Statement of Interest is based upon the mutual commitment of the _________________________ School Corporation and Ball State University to the following principles that define the nature of any future partnership agreement which may result from discussions.

1. The nature of the relationship between a school corporation and the University is that of a partnership with all parties participating as equals.
   
   
2. The partnership is designed to achieve clearly defined mutually agreed upon objectives.
   
   
3. The development of each partnership will be unique, allowing school faculty and Ball State University faculty to work together to explore and develop initiatives based on professional interests of the partners and the particular elements of each school setting.
   
   
4. The overall aim of the partnership should be the collaborative pursuit of a high-level of professionalism and professional growth through the simultaneous improvement of both schools and of teacher education.

This statement of interest is also based on the principles stated in the Strategic Goals of the Holmes Partnership:

1. High Quality Professional Preparation - To provide exemplary pre- and in-service programs for the preparation of educators for the public schools.  These programs must be rigorous, innovative, attentive to the needs of diverse children and youth and responsive to market demands. Their design, content, and delivery must reflect research and best practice.
   
   
2. Simultaneous (Interlocking) Renewal [Improvement] - To engage in the simultaneous renewal [Improvement] of public P-12 schools and the education of beginning and experienced educators by establishing strong partnerships of universities, schools, and professional organizations and associations.
   
   
3. Equity, Diversity, and Cultural Competence - To actively work on equity, diversity and cultural competence in the programs of P-12 schools, higher education, and the education profession by recruiting and preparing faculty and students who reflect the rich diversity of perspectives in this country and our global community.
   
   
4. Scholarly Inquiry and Programs of Research - To conduct and disseminate educational research that advances knowledge, improves teaching and learning for all children and youth, informs the preparation and development of educators, and influences educational policy and practice.
   
   
5. Faculty Development - To provide high-quality doctoral programs for the preparation of the future education professoriate. Redesign the standards for the work of both university and school faculty to enable them to accomplish the reform goals and to be recognized and rewarded for their accomplishments.
   
   
6. Policy Initiation - To engage in policy analysis and development related to public P-12 schools and the preparation of educators. Advocate policies that improve teaching and learning for all students, promote school improvement, and enhance the preparation and continuing professional development of all educators.
   
   

It is understood that discussions initiated as a result of this Statement of Interest may focus around one, more, or all of the principles stated above. It is also understood that this Statement of Interest does not create a formal partnership. Both the ________________________________ School Corporation and Ball State University Teachers College understand that these explorations may lead to a formal partnership agreement. It is also understood that either party, at any time during the discussion process, may decide to terminate further discussion.

As an initial focus for continuing discussion, the _________________________________ School Corporation suggests that the following topics or questions might be explored in determining how the University may be of assistance to _______________________ School as part of the University's commitment to the partnership.

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

____________________________SCHOOL CORPORATION

____________________________
Superintendent's Signature

____________________________
School

____________________________
Principal's Signature

____________________________
Date

If you are interested in pursuing this discussion, this Statement of Interest must be returned to the Office of the Dean, Teachers College, Room 1008, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306.

Get a PDF version of this page: Statement of Interest