Funding for inservice and technical assistance is secured through the first year $1,700 participation fee paid by partnership schools.  Demonstration Schools do not pay the participation fee.  However, beginning in Year 2 of the Network, an annual network fee for all schools will be assessed ($300.00) with an optional upgrade available.  Schools accepted will need to commit other resources as well.  This agreement outlines the responsibilities which can be anticipated at this stage of planning.  To help clarify the services and expectations that a demonstration school will receive from the Network and to understand what the Network needs from the demonstration school, the following agreement applies.

THE NETWORK will provide the following: 

• A waiver of the fee for participation in the first year in anticipation and appreciation of the resources which will be devoted to the partnership schools throughout the course of the project.
• Statewide and national recognition.
• Publishing opportunities for web-based publications to help keep the demonstration schools and the Network visible in Illinois.
• Consulting from project staff members.
• Leadership training for an on-going team of staff members who will implement school improvement goals, do strategic planning, work directly with the partnership schools, assist at the Network Institute in November in Urbana, host visitors and promote their school's role as an exemplary middle level school through publishing, presentations and other activities.
• A Demo retreat training workshop for the leadership team prior to beginning work with partnership schools.  The project will provide the site, consultants and meals, but not the mileage reimbursements or substitute teacher costs for this event.  The date is early in October.
• Selection of partnership schools which are beginning middle-level programs to work with your demonstration school.
• Direction and support for both the demonstration and partnership schools' efforts which are a part of this Network.
• A Network Institute in Urbana where the leadership team and project consultants will work directly with partnership school teams.  Most expenses for the leadership team will be paid by the project, except for mileage and substitute teachers.
• Access to materials and resources for school improvement efforts.
• Networking with other schools.
• Assurance of confidentiality for students and staff whose surveys, questionnaires, and other data may be collected by project.
• Reporting and feedback on the evaluation, including a self-study assistant if school selects the self study option.
• Assistance with strategic planning, if needed.
• Access to other general Network or AIMS professional development activities at network rates.
• Access to grants offered through the network.

DEMONSTRATION SCHOOLS will provide the following:  

• Commitment to develop, refine, or provide a 3-5 year strategic plan.
• Public relations with the community to create awareness of the demonstration school role and to promote middle level schools.
• A leadership team of five staff members, representing the school in diverse areas.  Note:  Members must be released from regular assignments to assist in the Institute and the training workshop.  Mileage and substitute teacher expenses need to be budgeted.  Other expenses are covered by the project.
• Willingness to write articles for web-based publications.
• Presentations for AIMS events as requested.
• Agree to support AIMS through individual memberships in the Association of Illinois Middle Level Schools (AIMS).
• Agree to pay an annual network fee ($300) or optional upgrade fee.