Stronger States, Stronger Outcomes: Full Schedule

To move the needle on student outcomes, state educational agencies (SEAs) are shifting from compliance-driven reporting toward evidence-informed decision-making. State Learning Agendas offer a blueprint for building this capacity.

Moderators

Dr. Matt Soldner

U.S. Department of Education

Speakers

Kristy Brown

Chief Academic Officer, Tennessee Department of Education

Kristy Brown, the chief academic officer at the Tennessee Department of Education, is dedicated to ensuring every student in Tennessee has access to high-quality education. She leads the divisions of Academic Strategy, Early Learning, Special Education and Student Supports, CORE District... Read More →

Dr. Molly Hart

Utah State Board of Education

Dr. Renee Nugent

Kansas State Department of Education

Christy Todd

Georgia Department of Education

Catherine Truitt

Session Presenter, NCC Learning Agenda Lead

Wednesday September 9, 2026 9:45am - 11:00am EDT
Independence Ballroom A, Independence Level

General Session

10:45am EDT

Break & Transition

Wednesday September 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:00am EDT

General Session

11:00am EDT

A1: Strengthen Your SEA’s Capacity through a Learning Agenda (CHIEFS ONLY)

Wednesday September 9, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Independence FG, Independence Level

Wednesday September 9, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Independence FG, Independence Level

Chiefs Only

11:00am EDT

A3: Early Childhood Literacy Practices – Puerto Rico // Play-Based Learning in Early Childhood - Oklahoma

Wednesday September 9, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Farragut Square, Independence Level

One Island with One Vision: Building a Unified Early Literacy System Across Puerto Rico
Consistent early literacy instruction depends on clear expectations, aligned supports, and a shared vision across the early grades. Puerto Rico will share how the Department of Education and Islands Comprehensive Center are strengthening literacy instruction from prekindergarten through grade 1 by building coherence across systems. The work includes codifying grade-level expectations, defining essential practices and outcomes, and developing a shared toolkit with observation indicators and coaching supports. Implemented through a phased clarify-design-pilot process, the approach uses existing SEA leaders, principals, and literacy facilitators to support continuous improvement rather than create parallel structures. Participants will learn how Puerto Rico is aligning policy, professional learning, and instructional practice to build a more consistent and sustainable early literacy system.

Building School and Teacher Capacity for Play-Based Learning in Oklahoma
Play-based learning is most effective when school leaders and educators understand both its value and how to put it into practice. Oklahoma will share how the Department of Education and REL Southwest co-developed the Leading Early Childhood and Achievement Development initiative to strengthen research-based early learning practices in prekindergarten and kindergarten classrooms. Now in its third cohort, the initiative has trained 69 teachers and 15 school leaders across six districts and has expanded supports through demonstration videos and learning modules for teacher aides. Participants will learn how Oklahoma designed, tested, and sustained a professional learning model that builds educator knowledge, supports high-quality interactions, reduces implementation barriers, and uses federal resources to strengthen evidence-based early childhood instruction.

Speakers

Eneida Padro

State Learning Lead, Islands Comprehensive Center/Concéntrico

As a consultant with the Islands Comprehensive Center/Concéntrico, Dr. Eneida Padró partners with the Puerto Rico Department of Education as the state learning lead to strengthen early literacy systems, instructional leadership, and family engagement. Over the past two decades... Read More →

Kevin Caroll

One Island. One Vision. Building State Capacity for PK–1 Literacy Through Coherent Systems, Islands Comprehensive Center

Dr. Kevin S. Carroll is a professor in the College of Education at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, where his research and teaching focus on bilingual education, language policy, and literacy development. He leads collaborative initiatives with the Puerto Rico Department... Read More →

Indhira Castro Rivera

Operations Manager, Early Childhood Education, Puerto Rico Department of Education

Professor Indhira Castro Rivera serves as operations manager for the Early Childhood Education Program at the Puerto Rico Department of Education, where she leads initiatives that strengthen teaching, learning, and educational support for young children across the island. She oversees... Read More →

Rori Hodges

Early Childhood Specialist, Oklahoma State Department of Education

Rori Hodges, an early childhood specialist with the Oklahoma State Department of Education (ODSE), has more than 25 years of experience in early childhood education, beginning with owning a family child care business. That path led her to earn a B.S. in early childhood education and... Read More →

OK EBI REV Play Based.pptx pdf

PR Instruction Early Childhood pptx

PR EBI Handout pdf

LEAD Handout 1 What Is Lead Supporting School Leaders pdf

LEAD Handout 2 Learning Objectives pdf

Wednesday September 9, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Farragut Square, Independence Level

Instruction

11:00am EDT

A2: Mentor Teachers in the Apprenticeship Program - Delaware // Redesigning Mentorship – North Carolina

Wednesday September 9, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Independence HI, Independence Level

Building Mentor Supports for Delaware’s Educator Apprenticeship Program
Teacher apprenticeship programs depend on mentor teachers who can turn classroom experience into meaningful instructional growth. Delaware will share how it is building an “arc of support” for mentors in its Educator Apprenticeship Program, which combines paid, school-based experience with certification coursework. In partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Comprehensive Center, the Delaware Department of Education is co-designing mentor tools, resources, and a support framework intended to strengthen apprentice success and support statewide scale. The work also brings together the Department of Labor, local education agencies, and educator preparation programs. Participants will leave with practical lessons, a sample mentor support framework, and implementation considerations for strengthening mentor capacity within new or existing teacher apprenticeship programs.

Building a Coherent Statewide Mentorship System in North Carolina
Featuring: NC Mentorship is most effective when expectations, roles, and supports are clear across programs and settings. North Carolina will share how it is redesigning mentorship as a coherent statewide system to strengthen early-career teacher retention and prepare for a proposed registered apprenticeship pathway. In partnership with the Center on Strengthening and Supporting the Educator Workforce, BEST NC, and local education agencies, the state is mapping mentor roles, identifying gaps, developing role-specific frameworks, and creating modular training and statewide implementation tools. The work also centers practitioner input and continuous improvement to support quality and scale. Participants will learn how North Carolina is aligning mentorship across existing programs, clarifying supervision expectations, and building an infrastructure that can support future educator workforce strategies.

Speakers

Elizabeth Eaton

State Co-Director, Mid-Atlantic Comprehensive Center

As state co-director for the Mid-Atlantic Comprehensive Center, Elizabeth Eaton leads work with the Delaware Department of Education to co-design and strengthen supports for mentors of teacher apprentices, enhancing mentor effectiveness and advancing Delaware’s educator pipeline... Read More →

Katherine Burns

Education Associate, Early Engagement & Teaching Career Ladder, Delaware Department of Education

Katherine Burns is an education and public service professional with extensive experience in workforce development, educator pipeline initiatives, student mentoring, and K–12 education. As an education associate with the Delaware Department of Education, she leads statewide teacher... Read More →

Derrick Jordan

Associate State Superintendent/Chief Operations Officer, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Dr. Derrick D. Jordan is associate state superintendent/chief operating officer for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, leading the agency’s work in educator preparation, licensure, performance, and other key areas. With an expansive career spanning roles from teacher... Read More →

Fredrica Nash

Project Director, Center on Strengthening and Supporting the Educator Workforce

Fredrica M. Nash is senior director of the Center for Education, Communication, and Training at RTI International, where she leads a multidisciplinary team of 80 staff delivering technical assistance, professional learning, and integrated communications and production services to... Read More →

Meghan Doyle

Capacity-Building Lead, Center on Strengthening and Supporting the Educator Workforce

Dr. Meghan Doyle, Director of Education Research, brings more than 30 years of experience as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and local government executive, with a career defined by leading system-level improvement and building capacity across education organizations. Her practitioner... Read More →

DE Partnerships Mentor Teachers HANDOUT docx

DE Partnerships Mentor Teachers pptx

NC Partnerships Redesigning pptx

Wednesday September 9, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Independence HI, Independence Level

Partnerships

11:00am EDT

A4: Scaling Cross-Functional Strategy – South Carolina // Statewide Attendance Improvement – Rhode Island

Wednesday September 9, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Franklin Square, Independence Level

Aligning SEA Structure and Resources to Improve Student Outcomes in South Carolina
SC Ambitious student goals require an agency structure that aligns people, priorities, and resources around the outcomes that matter most. South Carolina will share how the Department of Education reorganized its work through a “1-4-1-4” strategic framework connecting a statewide 2030 goal to multiyear objectives, annual alignment priorities, and 90-day actions. Cross-functional teams bring together SEA offices, LEAs, state partners, and industry around foundational skills, career pathways, civics, and community partnerships. The state is also aligning investments to evidence-based strategies, including LETRS and Palmetto Math. Participants will learn how South Carolina is using shared goals, cross-office governance, and strategic resource alignment to strengthen coherence, build accountability, and support implementation across the agency.
Ellen Weaver, Abbey Duggins, Rebecca Gunnlaugsson

From Data to Action: Building a Unified Statewide Attendance Strategy in Rhode Island
Improving attendance at scale requires more than isolated initiatives; it requires aligned systems, timely data, and coordinated support for schools and families. Rhode Island will share how the Department of Education partnered with the Governor’s Office and teams across data, communications, school improvement, student support, accountability, and community engagement to build a unified statewide strategy. Through #AttendanceMattersRI, the state combines real-time attendance leaderboards, monthly heatmaps, professional learning, family engagement, and cross-office governance. Since the height of the pandemic, Rhode Island reports reducing chronic absenteeism by more than 12 percentage points and regaining more than 3.7 million hours of instructional time. Participants will learn practical strategies for aligning SEA teams, strengthening local capacity, and turning attendance data into action.

Speakers

Ellen Weaver

Superintendent of Education, South Carolina Department of Education

Ellen Weaver, who was elected in November 2022, serves as South Carolina’s 19th State Superintendent of Education. Superintendent Weaver believes that every child has a unique purpose and can meet high expectations when adults provide high-quality, evidence-aligned support. She... Read More →

Abbey Duggins

Deputy Superintendent, South Carolina Department of Education

As deputy superintendent of the South Carolina Department of Education, Dr. Abbey Duggins provides leadership and strategic direction to support educational excellence across the state. Previously, she served as executive director of Teaching and Learning and as director of Early... Read More →

Rebecca Gunnlaugsson

Chief of Staff and Chief Operating Officer, South Carolina Department of Education

Dr. Rebecca Gunnlaugsson serves as chief of staff and chief operating officer for the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE). Her role centers on helping the agency translate strategic priorities into coordinated action by aligning people, systems, and resources. Through this... Read More →

Brian Darrow

Chief of Innovation, Improvement, and Data, Rhode Island Department of Education

As Chief of Innovation, Improvement, and Data for the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), Brian Darrow oversees statewide strategy for data, accountability, school improvement, and innovation. Throughout his career at RIDE, he has led system transformation efforts to improve... Read More →

SC SR Scaling Cross HANDOUT FINAL pdf

SC SR Scaling Cross ppsx

RI Strategy Statewide Attendance pptx

Wednesday September 9, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Franklin Square, Independence Level

Strategy & Resources

11:00am EDT

A5: Leveraging Resources for Native Learners - BIE // Building Capacity for Family and Community Engagement - Alabama

Wednesday September 9, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT

Lafayette Park, Independence Level

Building Cross-System Capacity to Accelerate Outcomes for Native Students
Geographically dispersed education systems face distinct challenges in building capacity while honoring Tribal sovereignty, culture, and community priorities. The Bureau of Indian Education, in partnership with the Region 14 BIE Comprehensive Center, will share how it supports more than 183 schools across 23 states through continuous improvement, evidence-based practices, stakeholder engagement, and responsive technical assistance. Operating as both a state and local education agency, BIE uses strategic planning, needs-sensing, targeted supports, and federal resources to address geographic isolation, workforce capacity, and access to high-quality educational opportunities. Participants will learn how cross-system partnerships can strengthen leadership, inform decision-making, build organizational capacity, and support sustainable improvement in rural and Tribal communities.

Building a Unified Statewide Framework for Family and Community Engagement in Alabama
In what ways can a state bring separate family and community engagement efforts into a unified approach? The Alabama State Department of Education will share how it redesigned work across literacy, mathematics, school improvement, extended learning, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. With support from the Gulf Coast Comprehensive Center, Alabama developed a three-pillar framework focused on building understanding, implementing practical strategies and practices, and sustaining engagement. The framework has helped align teams, streamline resources, strengthen cross-office collaboration, and provide clearer guidance to local education agencies. Participants will learn strategies for aligning initiatives, reorganizing internal processes, leveraging federal technical assistance, and supporting districts in building authentic family partnerships.

Speakers

April Chavez

Juanita Mendoza

Special Assistant to the Director, Bureau of Indian Education

Juanita Mendoza has served with the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) for 16 years and works closely with the director on special projects, policy initiatives, and regulatory matters. She brings extensive experience in Native American policy, federal regulations, and Tribal consultation... Read More →

Brooke Ratliff

Ventura Lovato

Kristie Shankles

Educational Specialist, Alabama State Department of Education

Kristie Shankles is an education specialist with the Alabama State Department of Education, where she provides statewide leadership in implementing and continuously improving Alabama’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports (AL-MTSS). With more than 25 years of experience spanning classroom... Read More →

Lacy Wood

Research Associate, RMC Research

Lacy Wood provides technical assistance to the Gulf Comprehensive Center’s Florida and Mississippi chronic absenteeism projects and the Alabama family and community engagement project. She also works with Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Central, supporting their training... Read More →

Melissa Shields

Final. 9.9.26 BIE SSSO Slide Deck pptx

AL Partnerships Family And pptx

Wednesday September 9, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Lafayette Park, Independence Level

Technical Assistance

12:00pm EDT

B3: Multi-grade Instruction - Marshall Islands

Wednesday September 9, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT

Farragut Square, Independence Level

Co-Creating Multigrade Thematic Units for Rural Atoll Schools
Multigrade instruction requires materials and professional learning designed for the realities of rural and remote classrooms. The Republic of the Marshall Islands Public School System will share how it is using federal technical assistance to build local curriculum-development capacity for rural atoll schools. Through a series of collaborative “write shops,” curriculum staff, bilingual educators, and Comprehensive Center Region 12 partners are co-creating pilot thematic units rooted in Marshallese language, knowledge, values, and practices. The process also uses a training-of-trainers model to strengthen local expertise and support future unit development. Participants will learn how co-creation, place-based design, and targeted technical assistance can help small and geographically dispersed systems develop practical, scalable supports for multigrade teaching.

Speakers

Sandy Dismas Konelios

Republic of the Marshall Islands Public School System, Associate Commissioner for School Management

Sandy Dismas has been the Associate Commissioner for School Management, overseeing 65 rural primary schools, since 2025. Previously, she served as the principal of a private school for over 20 years and as a director of staff development for 11 years.

Rodrigues Nakamura

Language Arts Specialist, Republic of the Marshall Islands Ministry of Education, Sports and Training/Public School System

Rodrigues Nakamura is a curriculum specialist for primary schools, focusing on Language Arts (Marshallese and English). He has been an educator for nearly 17 years. His goal is to tailor resources, such as bilingual lesson materials, standards-aligned curriculum frameworks, teacher... Read More →

Yshwiata Lomae

Western School District Supervisor, Republic of the Marshall Islands Public School System

As an educator and district supervisor in the Marshall Islands, Yshwiata Lomae oversees operations, supply logistics, and teacher development across 11 outer-island schools. Yshwiata champions place-based learning principles that connect students and teachers directly to the skies... Read More →

RMI Instruction Multi grade pptx

Wednesday September 9, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT
Farragut Square, Independence Level

Instruction

12:00pm EDT

B2: Investing in the Teachers Through the LEARNS ACT - Arkansas

Wednesday September 9, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT

Independence HI, Independence Level

Investing in Teachers to Strengthen Student Outcomes in Arkansas
Strong educator workforce policies can improve the teaching experience while directing effective educators to the students who need them most. Arkansas will share how the LEARNS Act is reshaping teacher compensation, benefits, incentives, and strategic staffing. The state raised the minimum teacher salary to $50,000, added paid maternity leave, expanded educator scholarships, and created merit incentives of up to $10,000 tied to student growth, shortage-area service, advanced licensure, and mentorship. Arkansas is also connecting these investments to literacy goals and its third-grade promotion policy by prioritizing highly qualified, effective teachers for students with the greatest learning needs. Participants will learn how Arkansas is linking educator investments to workforce conditions, instructional priorities, and student outcomes.

Speakers

Brandie Benton

Andrew Sullivan

Arkansas Department of Education, Director of Educator Effectiveness

As director of Educator Effectiveness for the Arkansas Department of Education, Andrew Sullivan leads statewide initiatives focused on educator quality, leadership development, and continuous school improvement. With more than 26 years of experience as a teacher, principal, district... Read More →

AR Partnerships Investing In Teachers pptx

Wednesday September 9, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT
Independence HI, Independence Level

Partnerships

12:00pm EDT

B1: Poster Session - Map the Learning Agenda Experience

Wednesday September 9, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT

Independence FG, Independence Level

Wednesday September 9, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT
Independence FG, Independence Level

Poster Session

12:00pm EDT

B4: Resource Allocation Review - Wyoming

Wednesday September 9, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT

Lafayette Park, Independence Level

From Mandate to Meaning: Building a Strategic Resource Allocation Review Process in Wyoming
Resource allocation reviews can do more than satisfy federal requirements; they can help districts connect funding, staffing, and programs to student needs and improvement priorities. Wyoming will share how the Department of Education partnered with the Central Comprehensive Center and Strategic Funding and Finance Center to design and pilot a state-supported review process. Through co-development, feedback, and targeted technical assistance, the partners created a multi-phase framework, guidebook, and tools for examining financial, staffing, and programmatic data. More than 40 district leaders contributed early feedback ahead of the 2026 pilot. Participants will learn how Wyoming is aligning compliance with improvement planning, building SEA infrastructure, and equipping districts with practical tools for more strategic resource decisions.

Speakers

Mark Bowers

Wyoming Department of Education

Stephanie Levin

Deputy Director, Strategic Funding and Finance Center at American Institutes for Research (AIR)

Stephanie Levin, deputy director of the Strategic Funding and Finance Center at AIR, is a senior education finance researcher with extensive experience helping states and districts align resources with their strategic goals to improve student outcomes. Her work focuses on strategic... Read More →

Joe Simpson

North Dakota and Wyoming Project Co-Lead, Central Comprehensive Center

Joe Simpson co-leads the North Dakota and Wyoming project. He previously served as program co-director for the Region 11 Comprehensive Center and as director for the Central Comprehensive Center.

WY Resources Resource Allocation pptx

Wednesday September 9, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT
Lafayette Park, Independence Level

Strategy & Resources

12:00pm EDT

B5: School Leadership & Teacher Retention - Mississippi

Wednesday September 9, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT

Franklin Square, Independence Level

Strengthening Leader Effectiveness and Teacher Retention in Mississippi
Teacher retention is closely tied to the quality of school leadership and the systems that prepare, develop, and support administrators. Mississippi will share how the Mississippi LEADS initiative is building a leadership development continuum from teacher to superintendent. With support from the Gulf Comprehensive Center, the state has reduced its principal standards from 19 to 9 evidence-based standards, revised the Administrator Growth Rubric guidance and training, aligned leader preparation assessments, and reviewed its principal induction program. The work also brings together higher education, districts, and schools to strengthen coherence across the educator continuum. Participants will learn how Mississippi is using technical assistance and cross-sector partnerships to improve administrator effectiveness, strengthen teaching conditions, and support teacher retention.

Speakers

Courtney Van Cleve

Executive Director, Office of Educator Continuum, Mississippi Department of Education

Dr. Courtney Van Cleve serves as the executive director of the Office of Educator Continuum at the Mississippi Department of Education. She is charged with ensuring a continuum of support for Mississippi’s education workforce from recruitment to retirement across the divisions of... Read More →

Paula Vanderford

Chief Accountability Officer, Mississippi Department of Education

As the chief accountability officer at the Mississippi Department of Education, Dr. Paula Vanderford oversees the Commission on School Accreditation and the Commission on Teacher and Administrator Education. She also provides oversight to several program offices: Accreditation, Child... Read More →

Lance Evans

State Superintendent of Education, Mississippi Department of Education

Dr. Lance Evans has served as Mississippi’s state superintendent of education since July 2024, focusing on sustaining the state’s academic progress, including its No. 16 national education ranking in the 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book. Under his leadership, the Mississippi Department... Read More →

Robin Jarvis

Director, Gulf Comprehensive Center

Dr. Robin Jarvis is the director of the Gulf Comprehensive Center, which provides capacity-building technical assistance to Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi. Robin has provided technical assistance to states and other jurisdictions in the South, Central, Northeast, and Pacific regions... Read More →

MS TA Leadership Effectiveness pptx

Wednesday September 9, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT
Franklin Square, Independence Level

Technical Assistance

12:00pm EDT

B6: Artificial Intelligence Policy - Ohio

Wednesday September 9, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT

McPherson Square, Independence Level

Supporting Districts to Implement Local AI Policies in Ohio
Statewide policy requirements are most effective when districts have clear guidance, practical tools, and access to aligned support. Ohio will share how it is helping every public school district, community school, and STEM school adopt and implement a local artificial intelligence policy by July 1, 2026. Informed by the Ohio AI in Education Coalition, the Department of Education and Workforce developed a model policy and is working with the Midwest Comprehensive Center to create research briefs, promising practice briefs, and implementation tools. Ohio is also using Title II-A state activities funds to support educator AI literacy and local projects. Participants will learn how Ohio is aligning policy, technical assistance, and federal resources to support responsible AI implementation.

Speakers

Chris Woolard

Chief Performance and Innovation Officer, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

Dr. Chris Woolard is dedicated to advancing the Department’s key priorities—literacy, learning acceleration, workforce readiness, and student wellness—and leadership of the Department’s AI in education initiatives. As the previous interim superintendent of public instruction... Read More →

Tori Cirks

OH TA Artificial Intelligence pptx

Wednesday September 9, 2026 12:00pm - 12:30pm EDT
McPherson Square, Independence Level

Technical Assistance

12:30pm EDT

Lunch (On Your Own)

Wednesday September 9, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm EDT

Restaurants within walking distance of the Grand Hyatt Washington:

Wednesday September 9, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm EDT

General Session

2:00pm EDT

C3: Statewide Approaches to Adolescent Literacy in Ohio and Virginia

Wednesday September 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT

Farragut Square, Independence Level

Scaling Evidence-Based Adolescent Literacy in Ohio and Virginia
Extending literacy improvement into the secondary grades requires coherent policies, strong implementation supports, and sustained investment in educator capacity. Ohio and Virginia will share complementary statewide approaches to strengthening evidence-based literacy instruction for adolescent learners. Ohio will highlight the ReadOhio initiative, including regional literacy specialists, cross-agency partnerships, and professional networks that help translate research into practice. Virginia will describe its policy framework for literacy instruction, screening, intervention, and educator preparation, including its language and literacy screening system for grades 4–8. Participants will learn practical strategies for aligning policy, funding, data, partnerships, and professional learning to build scalable systems that address the complex literacy needs of students in grades 4–12.

Speakers

Rachel Ealy

Adolescent Literacy Specialist, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

Rachel Ealy joined the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce as an adolescent literacy specialist in 2025. Before stepping into this role, she spent 17 years as an intervention specialist in public education, serving middle and high school students, and two years at Centennial... Read More →

Jill Nogueras

Associate Director of K–12 English and Literacy, Virginia Department of Education

Jill Nogueras has been with the Virginia Department of Education for 10 years and serves as the associate director of K–12 English and Literacy in the Office of Instruction. She provides strategic oversight and support for K–12 English and literacy, instruction, standards, and... Read More →

Sarah McClusky

Service Project Lead, RMC Research Corporation

Dr. Sarah McClusky leads the National Comprehensive Center’s secondary literacy capacity-building project, convening states and supporting state educational agency leaders in developing coherent, scalable systems that strengthen educator capacity and improve student outcomes. Sarah... Read More →

VA OH Instruction Statewide Approaches pptx

Wednesday September 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Farragut Square, Independence Level

Instruction

2:00pm EDT

C1: Getting Started with a Learning Agenda

Wednesday September 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT

Independence FG, Independence Level

Getting Started Unpack the foundational steps for building state agency capacity. Attendees will learn how to leverage the Learning Agenda Playbook’s Capacity Assessment to identify their team’s unique entry point. State leaders will share frontline stories of how they got started, established key priorities, and launched their efforts.

Wednesday September 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Independence FG, Independence Level

Learning Agenda

2:00pm EDT

C2: Literacy through Family Engagement - Arkansas // Academic Parent-Teacher Teaming - Puerto Rico

Wednesday September 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT

Independence HI, Independence Level

Strengthening Literacy Through Family Partnerships in Arkansas
Improving literacy outcomes requires more than strong instruction; it also depends on families understanding student progress and knowing how to support learning at home. Arkansas will share how it is embedding family engagement into implementation of the state’s third-grade promotion policy. The approach centers on three connected strategies: improving communication about literacy and promotion requirements, increasing family awareness of reading progress, and building educator capacity to strengthen home–school partnerships. Informed by state and national parent research, the work brings together cross-agency partners and technical assistance resources to connect classroom and at-home learning. Participants will learn practical strategies for integrating family engagement into literacy policy and practice, strengthening trust, and helping educators and families navigate reading-progress conversations more clearly and effectively.

Using Data to Strengthen Family Engagement in Puerto Rico
Data can strengthen family partnerships when educators are prepared to explain student progress clearly and engage families in shared learning goals. Puerto Rico will share how the Department of Education and REL Northeast & Islands built on a long-term data literacy partnership to implement Academic Parent-Teacher Teams across seven schools in three regions. The work connects regional Data Coaches, collaborative inquiry, and Puerto Rico’s Effective Data Use Guide with practical family engagement strategies. A train-the-trainer model, implementation resources, and a video series are supporting sustainability and broader use. Participants will learn how Puerto Rico integrated family engagement into an existing data-use system, strengthened educator capacity, and created practical tools to support continuous improvement and shared responsibility for student success.

Speakers

Amy Counts

Windy Lopez-Aflitto

Daisy Hernández González

Superintendent, Puerto Rico Department of Education

Dr. Daisy Hernández-González is an educational leader with more than 25 years of experience in teaching, school administration, and educational assessment, with a particular focus on data-informed school improvement. She currently serves as Assistant Superintendent of Alternative... Read More →

AR Partnerships Family Engagement pptx

PR Partnerships Family Engagement pptx

PR Partnerships Handout pdf

Wednesday September 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Independence HI, Independence Level

Partnerships

2:00pm EDT

C4: Grant Consolidation Strategy - Colorado // Unified Planning Approach - Arkansas

Wednesday September 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT

Lafayette Park, Independence Level

From Fragmented Grants to a Coherent State Investment Strategy in Colorado
How can states move from managing separate grant programs to directing resources through a coherent strategy tied to student needs and outcomes? The Colorado Department of Education will share how it analyzed 31 competitive grant programs across seven units and 17 offices and found that nearly 30 percent of districts—most of them rural—were not accessing available opportunities. Colorado used grant participation data, stakeholder input, and state policy priorities to redesign its investment approach. As an early step, the department consolidated six funding streams into a formula-based model intended to streamline access, reduce administrative burden, and strengthen accountability. Participants will learn strategies for reviewing a grant portfolio, aligning investments with priorities, and building support for difficult funding changes.

From Red Tape to Results: Using a Unified Planning Tool to Align Funding and State Priorities in Arkansas
Districts are better positioned to focus on student outcomes when planning and reporting requirements are organized around priorities rather than separate funding streams. Arkansas will share how it created the AR App, a unified tool that consolidated 17 federal and state applications and plans into one district planning process. The application asks districts to address concrete implementation questions tied to state priorities, while giving the Arkansas Department of Education annual data on local choices and areas where additional support may be needed. Arkansas will also describe how regional cooperatives support district planning and implementation. Participants will learn how a unified planning and funding tool can reduce administrative burden, promote federal flexibility, strengthen alignment, and help states monitor implementation over time.

Speakers

DeLilah Collins

Director, Grants Program Administration, Colorado Department of Education

As director of the Grants Program Administration Unit at the Colorado Department of Education, DeLilah Collins provides strategic leadership, oversight, and operational direction for grant administration. She brings a unique blend of analytical thinking and operational strategy to... Read More →

Danielle Ongart

Assistant Commissioner, Student Pathways and Engagement Unit, Colorado Department of Education

Danielle Ongart serves as assistant commissioner of the Student Pathways and Engagement Unit at the Colorado Department of Education, where she leads efforts focused on whole-child, whole-family, and whole-community supports to help students succeed in school and beyond. Her unit... Read More →

Stacy Smith

Mark Taylor

CO Resources Strategic Investment pdf

AR Strategy Unified Planning ppt

Wednesday September 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Lafayette Park, Independence Level

Strategy & Resources

2:00pm EDT

C5: Literacy and Mathematics Achievement Strategy - Tennessee // Strategies to Build Literacy Capacity - North Dakota

Wednesday September 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT

Franklin Square, Independence Level

From Evidence to Impact: Building a Statewide System for Literacy and Mathematics Improvement in Tennessee
Sustained gains in literacy and mathematics require aligned policy, strong district relationships, and practical support for implementation. Tennessee will share how the Department of Education has consolidated internal structures, organized cross-functional teams, deployed regional consultants, and invested in educator leaders to support evidence-based instruction across diverse local contexts. The state will also highlight implementation resources, monitoring tools, professional learning networks, and its use of federal and state funds to strengthen coherence and scale. Tennessee reports historic gains in state assessment results and progress on national measures. Participants will learn how the state is using lessons from literacy implementation, regional technical assistance, and a developing learning agenda to build SEA capacity and sustain high-quality instruction across districts.

Using Data and Evidence-Based Supports to Strengthen Literacy Capacity in North Dakota
Data are most useful when state leaders can translate them into clear guidance and practical support for districts and schools. North Dakota will share how the Department of Public Instruction and REL Central are using existing implementation and achievement data to strengthen literacy capacity. The partnership is helping the state analyze Science of Reading and dyslexia implementation, identify areas of strength and need, develop data stories, and create evidence-based tip sheets on instructional time and support for students with dyslexic characteristics. The work also highlights schools performing beyond expectations and opportunities to identify practices that may be scalable. Participants will learn how North Dakota is using federally funded technical assistance to strengthen analytic capacity, improve continuous improvement efforts, and turn compliance data into actionable support.

Speakers

Lacy Wood

Research Associate, RMC Research

Kristy Brown

Chief Academic Officer, Tennessee Department of Education

Lizzette Gonzalez Reynolds

Commissioner of Education, Tennessee Department of Education

Lizzette Gonzalez Reynolds, the Commissioner of Education for the State of Tennessee, brings deep experience in education policy and leadership. She oversees one of the nation’s most ambitious statewide literacy strategies designed to accelerate student learning. Under her charge... Read More →

Ann Ellefson

Assistant Superintendent of Academic Support, North Dakota Department of Public Instruction

Ann Ellefson is the assistant superintendent for academic support in the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction. With 25 years of educational experience, Ann brings a strong commitment to student-centered learning, collaborative problem-solving, and educational excellence... Read More →

TN TA Literacy HANDOUT FINAL pdf

ND TA Strategies To pptx

Wednesday September 9, 2026 2:00pm - 2:50pm EDT
Franklin Square, Independence Level

Technical Assistance

3:00pm EDT

D3: Adolescent Literacy Playbook - Georgia // Supporting LEAs in Evidence-Based Instruction - Poster Session

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT

Farragut Square, Independence Level

Building Leadership Capacity for Adolescent Literacy in Georgia
Strong adolescent literacy systems depend on leaders who understand the conditions needed for effective instruction. Georgia will share how the Department of Education is developing an Adolescent Literacy Playbook for school and system leaders in grades 4 and above. Created through collaboration between the Offices of Teaching and Learning and Whole Child Supports, with assistance from the Southeast Region 5 Comprehensive Center, the playbook will provide guidance, tools, and a foundation for future professional learning. The development process is also strengthening cross-office collaboration, shared language around literacy and MTSS, and the state’s understanding of evidence-based practice. Participants will learn how Georgia is using a practical leadership resource to expand SEA capacity and support LEAs and schools.

Supporting LEAs in Evidence-Based Instruction - Poster Session

Implementing Evidence-Based State Policies for English Learners - California

Circles of Reflection: Resources to Advance Education of Native Students - NCC

State Actions Advancing Secondary Literacy - NCC

High-Impact Instructional Practices Toolkit - NCC

Scaling Evidence-Based Math Instruction with REL Professional Learning Toolkits

Speakers

Felicia Purdy

Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Georgia Department of Education

Felicia Purdy, Ed.S., is the director of curriculum and instruction for the Georgia Department of Education’s Office of Teaching and Learning, where she leads statewide efforts supporting curriculum, instruction, standards implementation, and professional learning. Throughout her... Read More →

Amy Denty

Director of Literacy, Georgia Department of Education

Jeanne Morris

Assistant Director, Office of Whole Child Supports, Georgia Department of Education

GA EBI Adolescent Literacy pptx

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Farragut Square, Independence Level

Instruction

3:00pm EDT

D1: High-Value Questions and Activities for a Learning Agenda - Kansas, Utah

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT

Independence FG, Independence Level

Questions & Activities Designed for SEA teams with established priorities, this session focuses on sharpening core learning questions and mapping out practice- and research-based activities. Featuring insights from SEAs piloting the creation of a Learning Agenda, participants will learn how to refine their questions to drive targeted evidence-building and turn strategic goals into actionable results.

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Independence FG, Independence Level

Learning Agenda

3:00pm EDT

D2: Aligning Education, Workforce, and Housing Systems - Virginia

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT

Independence HI, Independence Level

Aligning Education, Workforce, and Housing Systems in Rural Virginia
Rural communities are stronger when education, workforce, and community partners align around shared regional priorities. Virginia will share how partners in four Southwest Virginia counties are connecting K–12 education, community colleges, adult education, housing organizations, and workforce leaders through a structured needs-sensing process. With support from the Appalachia Regional Comprehensive Center and the Wellspring Foundation’s Appalachia Highlands Housing Partners, the work uses site visits, stakeholder engagement, and qualitative data to inform locally driven solutions. Current efforts include aligning career and technical education programs with construction workforce needs and regional economic priorities. Participants will learn practical strategies for conducting effective needs sensing, strengthening cross-sector partnerships, and translating local insights into program design, policy considerations, and sustained community action.

Speakers

Keith Perrigan

Superintendent, Washington County Public Schools, Virginia

Keith Perrigan proudly serves as the superintendent of Washington County Public Schools, the Virginia division in which he grew up. He was a founding member and is the current president of the Coalition of Small and Rural Schools of Virginia.

Victoria Ratliffe

Workforce & Education Consultant, Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners

Dr. Vickie Ratliff brings extensive knowledge in strategic planning and workforce development as an independent consultant, collaborating with Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners (AHHP) on its workforce and education initiatives.  Prior to partnering with AHHP, she most recently... Read More →

Lori Vandeborne

Virginia Co-Lead, Appalachia Comprehensive Center

Lori Vandeborne, Virginia state co-lead, brings 6 years of extensive subject matter expertise within the Comprehensive Center network to her role on the Appalachian Comprehensive Center. As a licensed superintendent, principal, special educator, and instructional coach, Lori approaches... Read More →

VA Partnerships Aligning Education pptx

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Independence HI, Independence Level

Partnerships

3:00pm EDT

D4: Funding Alignment and Agency Reorganization - CNMI // Strengthening SEAs - Poster Session

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT

Lafayette Park, Independence Level

Weathering the Storm: Building Fiscal and Organizational Resilience in CNMI
Fiscal crises can force education agencies to rethink how funding, staffing, and operations work together. The CNMI Public School System will share how it responded to severe storm damage, school closures, declining local appropriations, and the expiration of $160 million in American Rescue Plan funds. CNMI cross-mapped Title programs, FEMA public assistance, and other federal grants to support shared administrative infrastructure and cross-functional capacity. By pooling resources and reorganizing staff, the agency reports redirecting 15 percent of overhead capacity to classroom recovery. Participants will learn how CNMI navigated cost-allocation approvals, crosswalked funding streams, reduced program silos, and built a more flexible operating model for fiscal emergencies.

Strengthening SEA Strategy & Coherence - Poster Session

Going Beyond the Committee: Refreshing and Aligning Strategic Priorities - North Dakota

Aligning Research for Impact: Texas’ Journey to a Statewide Research Agenda - Texas

Flexibility in Action: How States Can Strengthen District-Led School Improvement - NCC

Craving Coherence: A recipe for SEAs - NCC

Strategic Spending & Outcomes Snapshot - NCC

Speakers

Jacqueline Che

CNMI Strategy Funding pptx

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Lafayette Park, Independence Level

Strategy & Resources

3:00pm EDT

D5: Building Statewide Numeracy Systems - Kentucky // K-5 Mathematics Coaching Framework - Alabama

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT

Franklin Square, Independence Level

Building a Coherent Statewide Numeracy System in Kentucky Through Evidence-Based MTSS
A strong statewide numeracy system requires more than aligned requirements; it requires clear tools, consistent guidance, and coordinated support for implementation. Kentucky will share how it is connecting the Kentucky Numeracy Counts Act, Math Improvement Plans, and KyMTSS within a unified framework. In partnership with the Appalachia Regional Comprehensive Center, the state is developing assessment flowcharts, implementation guides, progress-monitoring resources, readiness tools, and clearer processes for reviewing assessment vendors. The work is also strengthening alignment among policy, practice, and technical assistance while improving the state’s ability to support districts with evidence-based instruction and intervention. Participants will learn how Kentucky is using embedded technical assistance, practical tools, and system redesign to move from fragmented compliance requirements toward greater coherence and instructional capacity.

Building a Statewide System for Effective Instructional Coaching in Alabama
How can states build an accountability system that strengthens instructional coaching rather than simply evaluating it? The Alabama State Department of Education will share how it developed the Evidence-Based Coaching Accountability System in response to the Alabama Numeracy Act and feedback from more than 600 coaches and 300 administrators. With support from the Gulf Comprehensive Center, Alabama engaged state and district leaders, coaches, principals, and curriculum leaders to create common coaching standards, indicators, and a continuum of practice. Participants will learn how Alabama moved from a content-specific requirement to a broader statewide coaching framework, engaged stakeholders in system design, and used accountability to support growth, consistency, and stronger instructional practice.

Speakers

Chelsey Tingle

Director of Mathematics Education, Kentucky Department of Education

Chelsey Tingle is a mathematics education leader based in Frankfort, Kentucky, serving in the Office of Teaching and Learning and leading statewide mathematics initiatives. Her work focuses on mathematics instruction, implementation of education policy, assessment and screening systems... Read More →

Jennifer Towles

Office of Mathematics Improvement Administrator, Alabama State Department of Education

A state administrator with the Alabama Department of Education Office of Mathematics Improvement, Jennifer Towles leads statewide initiatives to strengthen mathematics instruction, instructional coaching, and educator leadership. A graduate of Auburn University and the University... Read More →

Trisha Cox

Technical Assistance Provider, Gulf Region Comprehensive Center

Trisha Cox works with the Alabama State Department of Education on the Implementation of the Numeracy Act Project. She has been an educator for more than 30 years, having served as an elementary and middle school teacher, a literacy facilitator, a district instructional coach, and... Read More →

Karen Anderson

Director, Office of Mathematics Improvement, Alabama State Department of Education

Dr. Karen Anderson has been in the field of education for 40 years. With a passion for developing a growth mindset for learning in general and mathematics in particular, she is honored to serve as the director of the Office of Mathematics Improvement at the Alabama State Department... Read More →

John Spence

Education Subject Matter Expert, AEM Corporation

KY TA Building A pptx

AL Instruction Mathematics pptx

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
Franklin Square, Independence Level

Technical Assistance

3:00pm EDT

D6: School Improvement Networking for Superintendents - Oklahoma

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT

McPherson Square, Independence Level

School turnaround efforts are stronger when superintendents have structured opportunities to test ideas, examine implementation data, and learn with peers. Oklahoma will share how the Department of Education and Southwest Comprehensive Center designed a Superintendent Networked Improvement Community for district leaders serving CSI, TSI, and ATSI schools. Through regular learning sessions, cross-district collaboration, and Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, participants identify common problems of practice, test evidence-based strategies, and strengthen continuous improvement routines. The network is intended to build instructional leadership, improve the use of implementation data, and support stronger decision-making from the district office to the classroom. Participants will learn how Oklahoma is using improvement science and peer learning to shift school improvement support from compliance monitoring toward sustained capacity building.

Speakers

Theresa Wilson

Director of School Support, Oklahoma State Department of Education

Theresa Wilson is the program director for the Oklahoma State Department of Education’s Office of School Support, where she leads a 14-member statewide team that provides school improvement support to 381 schools targeted for support and improvement. Guided by the Office’s mission... Read More →

Shawna Lancaster

School Support Specialist, Oklahoma State Department of Education

As a school support specialist with the Oklahoma State Department of Education, Shawna Lancaster partners with school leaders to move school improvement work beyond compliance and into meaningful, practical change. Before stepping into state-level support, she served as a classroom... Read More →

Kelly Ledford

School Support Specialist, Oklahoma State Department of Education

Kelly Ledford is a school support specialist with 36 years of experience in education and expertise in instructional leadership, curriculum, assessment, and school improvement. She has served as director of assessment and accountability, secondary curriculum director, assistant principal... Read More →

OK TA School Improvement pptx

Wednesday September 9, 2026 3:00pm - 3:50pm EDT
McPherson Square, Independence Level

Technical Assistance

4:00pm EDT

Working Session: Learning in Action

Wednesday September 9, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Independence Ballroom A, Independence Level

Working together in your SEA teams alongside CCNetwork and REL partners, you will reflect on our current organizational capacity and process the day’s learnings through the lens of your agency’s strategic priorities. Designed as a bridge between listening and doing, this session ensures your team leaves Day 1 with shared clarity on key takeaways and a clear focus for Day 2.

Wednesday September 9, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Independence Ballroom A, Independence Level

General Session

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