Friday, August 3, 1:30-3:00, SUB Ballroom A, Interactive Panel Discussion

For the past 3 days, we gathered together for an international forum on rural education with the specific intent of celebrating the importance of rural education, discussing our common challenges, and sharing innovative solutions to address our collective concerns. We thoughtfully shared our research findings, innovative practices, and evaluated approaches linked to positive, practical outcomes and actions for our students and our communities.

Now as we approach our final interactive panel discussion and look to the days beyond ISFIRE 2018, we want to consider a renewed vision for future partnerships designed to support rural education and foster success for all.

What are some of the innovative approaches we can take to form partnerships that will strengthen rural education and support our rural schools and communities?

As we return to our rural communities, how can we engage in various levels of partnerships (international, national, regional, local), with various types of partners (governments, organizations, businesses, community groups, individuals), in ways that help us to address our very real challenges and foster enduring success for our students, our schools, our communities, and ourselves?

Our keynote speakers on this panel will share their perspectives and offer some insights for all of us to consider regarding the nature and role of effective partnerships, approaches to establishing and sustaining healthy partnerships over time, and the evolving nature of partnerships in our global community.

It is our hope that our discussion together will inform and inspire the development of, and your participation in, effective, purposeful, and productive partnerships for many years to come.