Final Hanford High School Consensus Plan

 

Meetings:

1.  An agenda is provided in advance and followed.

2.  We start and stop meetings on time.

3.  If a person is not present at a meeting, he/she agrees to abide by and support the decisions made by those in attendance.  (See also Consensus: Absenteeism Vote)

4.  During dialogue, we shall be open to the opinions and ideas of fellow committee members.

 

Communication:

1.  We will utilize interpersonal communication skills, which will include

    1. Paraphrasing, behavior descriptions, perception checking
    2. Listening respectfully with an open mind (listening to understand not to be understood)

2.  We will ensure a variety of opportunities for dialogue are available.

3.  Periodic, timely feedback will be available.

 

Ownership:

1.  No one shall feel responsible for the idea he/she presents to the group.  The idea shall become group property.

 

Consensus Process:

1.  DEFINITION:  Consensus is an agreement determined by group dialogue based upon trust and honesty.  To achieve consensus, members must accept responsibility to express their points of view and to understand the views of others.  When a consensus decision is reached, each member understands that as a team player he/she must support the decision for the good of the group. 

2.  TIME:  We provide time for dialogue and understanding of each member’s ideas and perspectives.  A timeline will be established for the final decision.

3.  DIRECTNESS:  If there are disagreements with issues being discussed, the concerns will be shared openly with the group.

4.  RESPONSIBILITY:  Members are responsible for expressing their points of view (verbally and/or in written form) and for soliciting the opinions of others.

5.  EQUITY:  All suggestions by members will be considered equally.

6.  PERCEPTION CHECKS:  Any group member may call for a perception check with the purpose of determining each member’s position.

7.  REACHING CONSENSUS:  A vote or declaration with 75 percent approval is needed to reach consensus.  Each teacher, whether full time or part time, counts as a whole vote.

 

8.  GIFTING A VOTE:  Any member may gift his/her vote to the majority, which is included in the 75 percent needed to reach consensus.

9.  GIFTING SUPPORT:  When consensus is declared and the 75 percent of votes is reached, those members holding the minority view “gift” their support to the majority.

10.  ABSENTEEISM VOTE:  If a member must be absent from the meeting he/she can vote via an absentee notification of facilitator or another committee member.