What are common supports and/or accountability measures in place to ensure the effectiveness of P-20 alignment efforts: Part I

Part I of a multi-part response to a key question that should be addressed when creating or improving upon a P-20 coordinating body.

RE: common supports: It is hard for councils to get the work done between meetings without at least a dedicated staff member (.5 FTE at a minimum) doing all the unglamorous behind-the-scenes work of coordinating the committees' efforts, serving as a single point of contact for council members and state leaders outside the council, etc. And tied to that of course is some funding--either through state appropriations, philanthropic or business support, or a grant/contract. Some states such as Nebraska have successfully created tiers of support, while others like Wyoming are working to secure a "three-legged stool" of state, business and philanthropic support.

The only question is whether business or philanthropic support will come with strings attached that preclude the council from following certain pathways that are contrary to the philosophy of the business or foundation. Not that I've seen explicit examples of this, but always something to keep in mind.