Stronger States, Stronger Outcomes

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.