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Wednesday, September 9
 

8:00am EDT

Chiefs-only Reception with US Department of Education
Wednesday September 9, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am EDT
Grand Hyatt Washington

Wednesday September 9, 2026 8:00am - 8:45am EDT
Grand Hyatt Washington 1000 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
  Chiefs Only

8:00am EDT

General Registration and Networking
Wednesday September 9, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm EDT
Registration Desk, Independence Level

Wednesday September 9, 2026 8:00am - 4:00pm EDT
Registration Desk, Independence Level
  Pre/Post-Conference

9:00am EDT

Welcome & Opening Remarks
Wednesday September 9, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Independence Ballroom A, Independence Level

Speakers
US
avatar for Dr. Jill Lammert

Dr. Jill Lammert

Director, National Comprehensive Center (NCC)

AS

Assistant Secretary Kirsten Baesler

U.S. Department of Education
Wednesday September 9, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Independence Ballroom A, Independence Level
  General Session

9:45am EDT

Plenary 1: State Learning Agenda Stronger SEAs, Stronger Outcomes: Building Capacity to Turn Evidence into Action
Wednesday September 9, 2026 9:45am - 11:00am EDT
Independence Ballroom A, Independence Level
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
DM

Dr. Matt Soldner

U.S. Department of Education
Speakers
avatar for Kristy Brown

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 →
avatar for Dr. Molly Hart

Dr. Molly Hart

Utah State Board of Education

DR

Dr. Renee Nugent

Kansas State Department of Education
CT

Christy Todd

Georgia Department of Education
CT

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

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Eneida Padro

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 →
avatar for Kevin Caroll

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 →
avatar for Indhira Castro Rivera

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 →
avatar for Rori Hodges

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Elizabeth Eaton

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 →
avatar for Katherine Burns

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 →
avatar for Derrick Jordan

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 →
avatar for Fredrica Nash

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 →
avatar for Meghan Doyle

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Ellen Weaver

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 →
avatar for Abbey Duggins

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 →
avatar for Rebecca Gunnlaugsson

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 →
avatar for Brian Darrow

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...
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Speakers
AC
avatar for Juanita Mendoza

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 →
avatar for Brooke Ratliff
avatar for Ventura Lovato
avatar for Kristie Shankles

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 →
LW

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 →
MS
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...
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Speakers
SD

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.
RN

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 →
YL

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...
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Speakers
BB
avatar for Andrew Sullivan

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...
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Speakers
MB

Mark Bowers

Wyoming Department of Education

avatar for Stephanie Levin

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 →
JS

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Courtney Van Cleve

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 →
avatar for Paula Vanderford

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 →
avatar for Lance Evans

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 →
avatar for Robin Jarvis

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Chris Woolard

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 →
TC
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...
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Speakers
RE

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 →
JN

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 →
SM

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...
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Speakers
AC
WL
avatar for Daisy Hernández González

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...
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Speakers
avatar for DeLilah Collins

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 →
avatar for Danielle Ongart

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 →
SS
MT
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...
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Speakers
LW

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 →
avatar for Kristy Brown

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 →
LG

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 →
avatar for Ann Ellefson

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...
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Speakers
avatar for Felicia Purdy

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 →
avatar for Amy Denty

Amy Denty

Director of Literacy, Georgia Department of Education

JM

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...
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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...
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Speakers
avatar for Keith Perrigan

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.
avatar for Victoria Ratliffe

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 →
LV

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...
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Speakers
JC
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...
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Speakers
avatar for Chelsey Tingle

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 →
avatar for Jennifer Towles

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 →
avatar for Trisha Cox

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 →
avatar for Karen Anderson

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 →
avatar for John Spence

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,...
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Speakers
avatar for Theresa Wilson

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 →
avatar for Shawna Lancaster

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 →
avatar for Kelly Ledford

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
 
Thursday, September 10
 

8:00am EDT

Networking: SEA & NCC Posters
Thursday September 10, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Independence Foyer, Independence Level

Thursday September 10, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Independence Foyer, Independence Level

8:00am EDT

Registration/Information Desk
Thursday September 10, 2026 8:00am - 2:00pm EDT
Registration Desk, Independence Level

Thursday September 10, 2026 8:00am - 2:00pm EDT
Registration Desk, Independence Level

9:00am EDT

Welcome & Opening Activities
Thursday September 10, 2026 9:00am - 9:15am EDT
Independence Ballroom A, Independence Level

Thursday September 10, 2026 9:00am - 9:15am EDT
Independence Ballroom A, Independence Level
  General Session

9:15am EDT

Plenary 2: Federal Flexibilities Unlocking Innovation: How SEAs Leverage RES Waivers, Ed Flex Authority, and ESEA Amendments for Impact for Local Impact
Thursday September 10, 2026 9:15am - 10:20am EDT
Independence Ballroom A, Independence Level
Aligned with the U.S. Department of Education’s “Returning Education to the States” strategy, federal flexibilities can help SEAs reduce administrative burden, align funding, and tailor policies to local priorities. Through concise “stopwatch” presentations from SEA leaders, participants will gain practical examples of using federal flexibilities, such as Elementary and Secondary...
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Speakers
PR

Patrick Rooney

Senior Director, State Support & Accountability, U.S. Department of Education
Patrick Rooney serves as the Director of School Support and Accountability in the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education.  He oversees the administration of federal K-12 formula grants and collaborates with state education agencies to evaluate... Read More →
avatar for Zoie Saunders

Zoie Saunders

Vermont Secretary of Education, Vermont Agency of Education
Zoie Saunders, M.Ed., serves as the Vermont Secretary of Education, leading landmark bipartisan reforms to establish a new funding formula, redesign accountability, and strengthen educational quality statewide. Appointed by Governor Phil Scott, she brings 20 years of leadership experience... Read More →
avatar for Ron Sandlin

Ron Sandlin

Chief Innovation Officer, Indiana Department of Education
Ron Sandlin serves as the Chief Innovation Officer at the Indiana Department of Education, where he leads strategic initiatives including school accountability, high school redesign, student pathways, and school transformation. He has spent over a decade serving the State of Indiana... Read More →
Thursday September 10, 2026 9:15am - 10:20am EDT
Independence Ballroom A, Independence Level
  General Session

10:20am EDT

Break & Transition
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:20am - 10:30am EDT

Thursday September 10, 2026 10:20am - 10:30am EDT
  General Session

10:30am EDT

Consultative Exchange (Round 1)
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
McPherson Square, Independence Level
Indiana: Federal Flexibilities, McPherson Square 
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
McPherson Square, Independence Level
  Consultative Exchange

10:30am EDT

Consultative Exchange (Round 1)
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Lafayette Park, Independence Level
BIE: Native student outcomes, Lafayette Park, Table 1CNMI: Funding alignment and agency reorganization, Lafayette Park, Table 2Mississippi: Leadership effectiveness & teacher retention, Lafayette Park, Table 3Puerto Rico: Academic parent-teacher teaming, Lafayette Park, Table 4Puerto Rico: Early childhood literacy practices, Lafayette Park, Table 5Rhode Island: Statewide attendance...
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Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Lafayette Park, Independence Level
  Consultative Exchange

10:30am EDT

Consultative Exchange (Round 1)
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Independence FGHI, Independence Level
Colorado: Strategic investment strategies, Independence FGHI, Table 1Delaware: Mentor teachers in the apprenticeship program, Independence FGHI, Table 2Georgia: Adolescent literacy playbook for school leaders, Independence FGHI, Table 3Kentucky: Building a statewide numeracy system, Independence FGHI, Table 4New Mexico: Networking across agencies to support attendance, Independence FGHI, Table...
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Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Independence FGHI, Independence Level
  Consultative Exchange

10:30am EDT

Consultative Exchange (Round 1)
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Independence Ballroom A, Independence Level
  1. Tennessee:  Learning Agenda - What's next?, Independence A, Table 5 
  2. Tennessee: Literacy and mathematics achievement strategy, Independence A, Table 15
  3. Wyoming: Resource allocation review, Independence A, Table 26

Additional options to consider

North Dakota, Texas, NCC: Strengthening SEA strategy & coherence posters, Independence A

Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Independence Ballroom A, Independence Level
  Consultative Exchange

10:30am EDT

Consultative Exchange (Round 1)
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Franklin Square, Independence Level
Additional options to consider

ED: Federal flexibilities, Franklin Square 
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Franklin Square, Independence Level
  Consultative Exchange

10:30am EDT

Consultative Exchange (Round 1)
Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Independence Foyer, Independence Level
Additional options to consider
  1. Pilot SEAs, NCC: Learning Agenda posters, Independence Foyer
  2. NCC: School spending and outcome snapshots, Independence Foyer

Thursday September 10, 2026 10:30am - 11:00am EDT
Independence Foyer, Independence Level
  Consultative Exchange

11:10am EDT

Consultative Exchange (Round 2)
Thursday September 10, 2026 11:10am - 11:35am EDT
McPherson Square, Independence Level
Arkansas: Federal flexibilities, McPherson Square 
Thursday September 10, 2026 11:10am - 11:35am EDT
McPherson Square, Independence Level
  Consultative Exchange

11:10am EDT

Consultative Exchange (Round 2)
Thursday September 10, 2026 11:10am - 11:35am EDT
Independence FGHI, Independence Level
Alabama: Family & community engagement, Independence FGHI, Table 1Alabama: Mathematics coaching, Independence FGHI, Table 2North Carolina: Redesigning mentorship, Independence FGHI, Table 3North Dakota: Strategies to build literacy capacity, Independence FGHI, Table 4Ohio: Artificial intelligence policy, Independence FGHI, Table 5Ohio: Statewide approach to adolescent literacy, Independence FGHI,...
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Thursday September 10, 2026 11:10am - 11:35am EDT
Independence FGHI, Independence Level
  Consultative Exchange

11:10am EDT

Consultative Exchange (Round 2)
Thursday September 10, 2026 11:10am - 11:35am EDT
Independence Foyer, Independence Level
Additional options to consider
  1. Pilot SEAs, NCC: Learning Agenda posters, Independence Foyer  
  2. NCC: School spending and outcomes snapshot, Independence Foyer 


Thursday September 10, 2026 11:10am - 11:35am EDT
Independence Foyer, Independence Level
  Consultative Exchange

11:10am EDT

Consultative Exchange (Round 2)
Thursday September 10, 2026 11:10am - 11:35am EDT
Lafayette Park, Independence Level
  1. Arkansas: Family engagement in literacy, Lafayette Park, Table 1
  2. Arkansas: Unified planning approach, Lafayette Park, Table 2
  3. Marshall Islands: Multi-grade instruction, Lafayette Park, Table 3
  4. Oklahoma: Play-based learning in early childhood, Lafayette Park, Table 4
  5. Oklahoma: School Improvement networking for superintendents, Lafayette Park, Table 4



Thursday September 10, 2026 11:10am - 11:35am EDT
Lafayette Park, Independence Level
  Consultative Exchange

11:10am EDT

Consultative Exchange (Round 2)
Thursday September 10, 2026 11:10am - 11:35am EDT
Independence Ballroom A, Independence Level
Virginia: Aligning education, workforce, and housing systems, Independence FGHI, Table 21Virginia: Statewide approach to adolescent literacy, Independence FGHI, Table 31Additional options to considerNCC: Getting started with a Learning Agenda, Independence A, Table 15NCC: Supporting the Learning Agenda as a coach, Independence A, Table 15California, NCC: Supporting LEAs in evidence-based...
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Thursday September 10, 2026 11:10am - 11:35am EDT
Independence Ballroom A, Independence Level
  Consultative Exchange

11:10am EDT

Consultative Exchange (Round 2)
Thursday September 10, 2026 11:10am - 11:35am EDT
Franklin Square, Independence Level
Vermont: Federal flexibilities, Franklin Square 
Thursday September 10, 2026 11:10am - 11:35am EDT
Franklin Square, Independence Level
  Consultative Exchange

11:35am EDT

Break & Transition
Thursday September 10, 2026 11:35am - 11:45am EDT

Thursday September 10, 2026 11:35am - 11:45am EDT
  General Session

11:45am EDT

Learning Remix: From Insights to Impact
Thursday September 10, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT
Independence Ballroom A, Independence Level
As the convening concludes, we will synthesize lessons learned, align cross-functional perspectives, and lay the groundwork for implementation.  
Thursday September 10, 2026 11:45am - 12:15pm EDT
Independence Ballroom A, Independence Level
  General Session

12:15pm EDT

Closing Remarks
Thursday September 10, 2026 12:15pm - 12:30pm EDT
Independence Ballroom A, Independence Level


Speakers
avatar for Dr. Jill Lammert

Dr. Jill Lammert

Director, National Comprehensive Center (NCC)

DS

Danielle Smith

U.S. Department of Education
Thursday September 10, 2026 12:15pm - 12:30pm EDT
Independence Ballroom A, Independence Level
  General Session

12:30pm EDT

Adjourn
Thursday September 10, 2026 12:30pm - 1:45pm EDT

Thursday September 10, 2026 12:30pm - 1:45pm EDT
  General Session

12:45pm EDT

Invite Only: NCC Evaluation Focus Groups
Thursday September 10, 2026 12:45pm - 2:00pm EDT
Grand Hyatt Washington

Thursday September 10, 2026 12:45pm - 2:00pm EDT
Grand Hyatt Washington 1000 H St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
  Pre/Post-Conference

2:00pm EDT

Optional: The State Learning Agenda Playbook: A Primer for the CCNetwork and RELs
Thursday September 10, 2026 2:00pm - 3:15pm EDT
Lafayette Park, Independence Level

Thursday September 10, 2026 2:00pm - 3:15pm EDT
Lafayette Park, Independence Level
  Pre/Post-Conference
 

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