Anything worth doing, is worth doing right! There is great demand for high-quality professional development, and the Lab for IC Teams limits discussion of partnerships to schools, districts and states that have already participated in awareness and readiness activities. The Lab for IC Teams typically encourages the use of consortia when smaller districts are involved as a way to share costs and develop networks to support the long-term sustainability of the model. Larger districts may enter into a partnership with the Lab individually; however, participating in a consortium for larger districts has advantages also.

Since each situation is unique, consultation and discussion is often necessary to determine the training and technical support needs that will be necessary for effective implementation of the IC Team model. However, there are several considerations that must be addressed prior to committing to implementing the IC Team model.

Commitment to Awareness and Readiness . Without adequate understanding of the IC model, there is very little chance of success in training and implementation. Individuals are reminded that awareness and readiness activities are pre-requisites to training and implementation. To review these activities, please visit our awareness and readiness activities pages.

Commitment of LEA Administrators. IC Teams requires a two-year commitment for implementation. The district superintendent, curriculum director, instructional director, special education director and participating Principals must all be informed and committed to the work involved.

Commitment to Allocate Personnel . Personnel need to be identified to be the IC Team Facilitator. This position requires a minimum of half-time dedication to each project school. Many districts dedicate a full-time person to the IC Team Facilitator role.

Commitment to Provide Financial Support. The district will need to pay for the consulting and associated training costs to develop and deliver the two-year training and technical support of the IC Team model.

Commitment to Participating in Comprehensive Professional Development. The IC Team Facilitator, the Principal of the school and another school-based staff member are required to attend training sessions, practice and apply skills and receive feedback. The IC Team Facilitator is expected to participate in approximately 26 days of training during the first year in addition to applying skills and knowledge within their assigned school.

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