Cultivating Growth Through Collaborative Planning: The ESU Example

This session will focus on promising practices in implementing aligned systems for continuous improvement. An emphasis will be placed on helping prompt participants to reflect on current practices and desired outcomes. Examples offered will illustrate systems integration from the perspective of two Nebraska ESUs. Cultivating growth and sustaining results over time necessitates a multi-pronged approach that navigates several parallel pathways in systems. These include identifying foundational tenets and articulating core performance standards. In addition, building capacity requires nurturing strategic partnerships with external stakeholders, such as ESUs partnering with post-secondary institutions in their service areas, building consortia for identified purposes, and partnering with other nonprofit organizations and public entities. Participants will emerge with a deeper understanding of how to navigate systems in enhancing partnerships and extending impact.