Working through Resistance to Build Sustainable Infrastructure

CalTog & CSLX•Feb 24, 2026

Building sustainable systems hinges on buy-in from all interest holders, but change can be challenging and new initiatives can elicit a range of reactions, including resistance. It can be unnerving to hear resistance to new initiatives, especially when there are implementation and outcome mandates for which we are held accountable. However, successful and sustained school improvement and transformation involve more than just convincing others to get on board. Similar to the community school strategy, frameworks designed to support multilingual learner and newcomer students need explicit commitment from formal leaders, practitioners, and a wide range of interest holders – students, families, teachers and community members. Real authentic partnership and sustainability mean welcoming resistance or skepticism as an opportunity to build trust, psychological safety, and shared understandings of the EL Roadmap policy.

This tool was adapted in partnership between Californians Together and Community Schools Learning Exchange. Download the PDF to access the full resource.