Getting Started with Collaborative Response


A question often asked by leaders is "how do I get started when trying to introduce Collaborative Response at my school?"

This collection of resources may be valuable to review and consider when getting started with Collaborative Response at your site, or onboarding new staff members to a school that is already engaged in Collaborative Response practices.



The 1st step is to download this FREE article!

In this article, 10 considerations are shared with school leaders attempting to introduce Collaborative Response, along with supplementary resources to share with staff and the greater educational community.

Download Now


Introducing Collaborative Response to a Staff Team



Access the Overview of Collaborative Response article to share with staff to initiate discussion

Share the Overview of Collaborative Response video to initiate understanding. Consider posting to your website or sharing with your school council to introduce the framework


In conjunction with the overview article or video, discuss and document What Do We Have and Potential Next Steps

Observe a Collaborative Team Meeting sample video, along with an observation organizer to reflect on structures and processes observed



Access the Two Schools Vignette (with discussion questions) to reflect on support for a student from a school practicing a Collaborative Response, compared with a more traditional response (from the Collaborative Response publication). Consider using this Examining School Culture T-Chart comparison organizer when engaging in conversation.

Onboarding New Staff to Introduce Collaborative Response

The following suggestions or ideas could be considered when onboarding new staff, to help them understand the basic principles of Collaborative Response and the foundational components of the framework.

  • Principal or lead team meeting with new staff to review the Collaborative Response structures and processes in place at the school
  • Teacher mentor introduce/discuss Collaborative Response in the school
  • Presentation with all staff, to use new staff as an opportunity for whole school review
  • Attend a Collaborative Team Meeting as an observer (potentially using a version of the observation organizer)

Additional Resources for Onboarding or Deepening Collaborative Response

The following resources, workshops and learning opportunities are available through Jigsaw Learning to help introduce and deepen Collaborative Response across your organization.


Collaborative Response:
Three Foundational Components that Transform How we Respond to the Needs of Learners
Take a deep dive into practical strategies, case studies, and resources that showcase the impact of Collaborative Response to respond to the needs of every learner, all in one comprehensive book. A free book study guide is also available to support exploration with your team!
Order Now

Every Child Deserves a Team - Overview of Collaborative Response

In this 2 hour on-demand, online workshop, you will learn:

  • The three foundational components essential to ensuring an aligned Collaborative Response in schools
  • How Collaborative Response can take your current Professional Learning Communities (PLC) and Response to Intervention (RTI) efforts to the next level
Register Now

We know you are busy and need to engage in learning that fits your schedule!

Explore Collaborative Response 101, an online learning series ideal for individuals wishing to learn more or organizations engaged in Collaborative Response and needing to build understanding for new staff members.

Register Now

For a little more than a quarter a day, you can access a growing library of resources to support your Collaborative Response work!
300+ resources and templates are available in the Collaborative Response Membership!
Start Your FREE Trial

Attend the Collaborative Response Retreat!

This exceptional learning experience brings together dedicated educators and partners to engage in discussion and learning related to Collaborative Response.

Learn More