When we say "building partnerships," we mean going beyond mere cooperation and into the realm of collaboration. The Community Partnerships initiative envisions all stakeholders in adult education—businesses, social service and workforce development agencies, libraries, local schools and colleges, faith-based organizations, community-based organizations, and more—developing a system to identify issues, share resources, and otherwise face challenges together.

"Working together is not only better but essential" to improving community services. This is what the Pew Partnership for Civic Change found when it surveyed 600 employers, local government leaders, and civic groups in 2001. At the same time, the participants stressed that such collaborations are not easy. Successful partnerships require time and trust to build, and they are able to transcend different organizational and community cultures in the interest of the big picture: a better future for their constituencies.

How can Community Partnerships for Adult Learning help in this effort? A key feature of the initiative is the ToolBox, which contains a wide variety of research and practical tools created by adult educators and the groups that support them. The information ranges from guidance on putting a partnership together and strengthening existing partnerships to advice on improving each of the major components of an adult education community.

In the ToolBox, you'll find how-tos, research, and related Web sites for each of these areas:

• Creating Communities: How to improve collaboration among businesses, community-based organizations, public schools, social service agencies and other adult education stakeholders
  
  
• Curriculum and Instruction: From model curricula and lesson plans to guidance on effective instruction and teacher recruitment
  
  
  • Adult Basic Education/Literacy
  • High School Credential Programs
  • English Literacy (EL/ESL)
  • Adults with Learning Disabilities
  • Family Literacy
  • Youth in Adult Literacy
  • Correctional Education
    
    
• Professional Development: Materials to strengthen instructional methods, strategies, and skills of teachers
  
  
• Workforce Development: Information and practical tools that focus on preparing adults for the contemporary workplace
  
  
• Technology: How computers and other technology can be acquired and effectively used to help adults learn and make professional development more accessible to instructors
  
  
• Program Management: How to measure the success of an adult education program and improve learner outcomes based on clear evidence
  
  
• More Resources: For literacy and adult education generally, from data to journals