"Knowledge Transfer Sessions"

What is a "Knowledge Transfer Session?"

According to the American Productivity and Quality Council, Montgomery County Public Schools was a "best practice partner" in one of their studies. According to their website, APQC did a evaluation/study on "Professional Learning Communities," that culminated in a "Knowledge Transfer Session (KTS)" The "Knowledge Transfer Session" was described as follows:

This is the final event in the project. It is a two-day event held at APQC in Houston. Subject matter experts and APQC staff conduct breakouts and presentations based on survey results and key findings. Participants have the opportunity to network with colleagues from across the nation and develop long lasting relationships. Best-practice districts will participate in roundtable discussions, and APQC will facilitate activities for each district to develop action plans to take the results from the study and utilize them in their own districts.

Develop long-lasting relationships? Gimme a break.

In any event, readers will be pleased to know that MCPS administrators have participated in these APQC relationship-building meetings in Houston. CLICK HERE to see copies of the actual reimbursement requests and credit card logs, but in summary:

Stephen L. Bedford, Chief School Performance Officer, 7-8-08 thru 7-11-08. Houston, TX. Present at APQC conference. Common Carrier $114.18, Meals $302.02

Stephen L. Bedford, Chief School Performance Officer, 4/30/08 $318.50
Stephen L. Bedford, Chief School Performance Officer, 4/30/08 $318.50
Trip to Houston, Presenter at APQC

Stephen L. Bedford, 07/11/08 Greater Houston Transport $54.18
Stephen L. Bedford, 07/12/08 Houstonian Hotel, TX $137.00
Stephen L. Bedford, 7/10/08 Kona Grill, Houston TX $59.00
Presenter at APQC

Heath Morrison, Community Superintendent 7/8/08 thru 7/11/08
Knowledge Transfer Session with Mr. Bedford
Estimated Travel Expenses $96.00

So: at a minimum, taxpayers spent $1300 for two individuals to participate in a "Knowledge Transfer Session." (The Parents Coalition did not receive any documentation for Mr. Morrison's travel expenses to and from Houston.) Have we gotten our money's worth?