Desired Results:
Through online, remote peer consultancies, participants will:

• Continue to employ an adapted version of the Peer Consultancy Protocol introduced at the Denver Mini Convening in February 2009
• Collectively generate solutions to real challenges in alternative school leadership
• Learn from the experiences and expertise of colleagues
• Strengthen the AHSI Leadership Professional Learning Community

Consultancy Request and Planning Process:
Using the AHSI PT&S Peer Consultancy Planning Form (PCPF) Download PDF, prospective presenters prepare a key question and note any necessary background information, attaching relevant written documents, for discussion. If there are particular organizations the presenter would like to invite as thought partners in the discussion, these should be noted on the PCPF in the appropriate boxes. Presenters will also note the number of participating consultancy organizations desired (from 1-3) and whether or not observer-only intermediaries will be welcome on the call.

Three preferred dates and times for conducting the consultancy will be proposed. Requests should be sent to the consultancy organizer at least 10 days before the first proposed date. Every attempt will be made to send a consultancy invitation and response form to potential PT&S participants within 3 days of a request for consultancy.

Consultancy Roles and Process:
Presenters
During the call, presenters share their question and related information. If GoToMeeting, or other web conferencing service is used, presenter may show visuals, including website pages, documents and digital presentations. At the end of the consultancy, Presenters reflect on the discussion and consider possible action steps.

Peer Consultants
The Peer Consultants ask clarifying questions, research, prepare and present feedback and possible answers to the key question shared by the Presenter.

Intermediary Observers
Other attendees may be invited to listen and observe the peer consultancy process.

AHSI Work Group Director
Will select / match consultants if none is specifically requested, send invitations, follow up by phone, research consultancy key question, set up technology, capture conference highlights and provide written feedback to participants. Additional AHSI staff, with expertise in key question topic, may be invited to participate in the call.

Confidentiality:
Presenters are asked to be thoughtful about confidentiality and to remove any information from the scenarios and documents they share that could be used to identify individuals. Simultaneously, Peer Consultants are asked to uphold a strict level of confidentiality. Information that is disclosed during consultancies is never to be repeated or discussed outside of consultancies.

Peer Consultancy Timeline (for 1 hour call):
1. AHSI Staff opens the call and introduces the participants - 5 min
2. Presenter provides background information and poses a key question - 8 min
3. Peer Consultants ask clarifying (non-judgmental/charged) questions - 5 min

• Presenter answers questions

4. Peer Consultants discuss the presented scenario and key question - 20 min

• Prepared research and feedback is shared
• Mix of warm and cool feedback if appropriate
• Presenter takes notes silently

5. Presenter reflects aloud on discussion - 5 min

• Peer Consultants remain silent

6. Process Observers share observations about the consultancy process - 2 min
7. All participants wrap-up and explore next steps - 15 min

Remote Peer to Peer Consultancy Protocol (as listed above)
Download PDF

Remote Peer Consultancy Request & Planning Form
Download PDF

This protocol is adapted from protocols developed by the National School Reform Faculty, Leslie Haynes at Jobs for the Future, and David Allen and Joseph McDonald at the Coalition of Essential Schools.