Partnerships with Purpose: Building District–EdTech Relationships That Center Kids

Strong partnerships between school systems and solution providers are essential to improving teaching and learning, yet many fall short because of misaligned expectations, weak communication or implementation disconnects. In this candid cross-sector panel session, district leaders, researchers and edtech partners discuss what meaningful collaboration actually looks like and what both sides often get wrong. Panelists explore how trust, co-design, implementation planning and shared goals shape successful partnerships, the realities districts face when adopting new tools and what providers should understand about school systems. You will also see how student-centered design and ongoing feedback loops strengthen partnerships over time. District leaders will learn how to identify partners who prioritize collaboration, responsiveness and student outcomes, while solution providers will better understand the operational realities and instructional priorities districts navigate. Leave with practical strategies for improving communication, aligning expectations and building trust throughout purchasing and implementation, moving beyond transactional relationships toward long-term impact for students and educators.