Well, howdy, partner! There’s my Learning Forward welcome, Texas style. Since this is my first column as president of Learning Forward and I am from Texas, I didn’t want to confound stereotypes in this partner-focused issue. Here’s my angle on partners. I consider a partner an ally that works hand in hand with schools and districts as we improve our educational learning so every student achieves. Such an ally brings to the table skills, resources, and a genuine desire to have our best interests in mind. An ally challenges our current thinking, celebrates successes with our campus or district, and is troubled when the successes don’t happen as planned. I know partners are allies in working to achieve Learning Forward’s purpose when I hear about