The purpose of the Job-Alike Groups is to provide a forum for job-specific professional learning activities for staff members of both Pioneer member systems and its higher education institution affiliates.

Meetings are held on a regular basis in order for system representatives to:

	Discuss common concerns and issues
	Share ideas, resources, and information
	Disseminate news from local, state, and federal sources
	Engage in collaborative professional development and problem-solving efforts relative to how specific job roles can improve performance levels as stated in the above mission

Job-Alike groups will serve in an advisory capacity to the superintendents and presidents on the Pioneer Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA) Board of Control.  Communication will be via the Pioneer Director, Dr. Sandy Addis.  Public position statements coming from the groups must be approved by the Board of Control.

Participation is voluntary.  Each member system and higher education institution is asked to identify at least one individual to serve as a representative to chosen job-alike groups and to notify the respective Pioneer liaison of the names, e-mail addresses, and other contact information of the representative(s) by September of each school year.

During the first meeting of the school year, each Job-Alike group will:

	Designate one or more of its members to serve as a chairperson for the year
	Select dates and locations for remaining meetings during the year
	Create a database of members’ names, addresses, and phone numbers
	Plan a list of potential agenda topics for meetings

Facilitation Duties shared by Chairperson and Pioneer Liaison:

	Send reminders to all members of meetings, directions, and the agenda topics at least one week prior to the meeting date
	Schedule the locations
	Invite any outside resource people
	Determine if a registration fee is necessary
	Determine if and how refreshments will be supplied
	Prepare the agenda
	Disseminate the address list to all members
	Supply current meeting information for the Pioneer RESA web site
	Conduct the meetings
	Prepare copies of handouts

Meeting Schedules and Contact Information

Groups will meet a number of times annually on dates to be determined by the group and scheduled through the Pioneer liaison.