Collaboration is the key! It is the driving force that has allowed Forest Lake Elementary Technology Magnet School to be consistently recognized as a "school that works" for all members of the learning community. Forest Lake's staff, teachers, students, and parents enthusiastically embrace the collaborative spirit that is a vital, energizing force throughout all phases of teaching and learning. Teachers need the support of school specialists to meet the ever-increasing social and academic needs of the students. Realizing the need to weave technology, literacy, and research skills into teaching and learning, Forest Lake's first Collaborative Conferences (CCs) were formed in 1996. The school librarian (SL) and part-time instructional technology specialist (ITS) were selected to cochair the monthly meetings. Grade-level teachers are expected to spend one entire planning period in the CCs, designing unit plans that are anchored by state and national standards. As the unit plan is formed, there is a definite division of responsibilities between the classroom teacher, the ITS, and the SL. In 2001 Forest Lake's curriculum resource teacher (CRT) became an additional valued facilitator of the meetings. Soon CCs became biweekly meetings and are currently held weekly. Forest Lake's CC model is an evolving means for teachers and specialists to stay abreast of state and national standards, emerging technology, and current best practices in teaching and learning. Beginning as a shared vision, CCs are now Forest Lake's primary vehicle for vertical and horizontal planning.