Collaborative Partnerships in Action: Final Report

The Collaborative partnerships in action (CPIA) project involved collecting qualitative data from multidisciplinary partner perspectives. The overarching aim was to identify essential elements in actioning collaborative partnerships that support the inclusion of learners on the autism spectrum in the short and long term. Data was collected from a real-life, autism specific context with a focus on supporting adolescent learners. The single case study involved 5 participants and included semi-structured interviews conducted face to face or online at 4 different time points across a school year. Observations of collaborations in action and archival evidence from participants were also collected. The aim was to illustrate how challenges experienced in supporting students on the spectrum are navigated through authentic collaborative partnerships with relevant partners (e.g., the family, student, external partners) and to help identify key elements that are critical to the establishment and sustainability of authentic partnerships. This data generated 3 main themes and 16 key sub themes which identify several essential elements to successfully actioning collaborative partnerships that support learners on the autism spectrum. A key output of the research was to produce professional educational support products that support teachers in developing and sustaining positive collaborative partnerships in their own practice and unique contexts. These multimedia products will be housed on the Autism CRC inclusionED website (www.inclusioned.edu.au) and used to support teachers and empower school communities in translating authentic collaborative partnerships into their practice. Findings from the project reinforce the importance of establishing and sustaining student-centred collaborative partnerships within inclusive contexts that promote an equitable and collective voice for all partners and maximise the success of learners on the spectrum in their schooling.