Stronger States, Stronger Outcomes: Full Schedule

9:00am EDT

Welcome & Opening Remarks

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

Independence Ballroom A, Independence Level

Speakers

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon

Dr. Jill Lammert

Director, National Comprehensive Center (NCC)

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

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

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

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

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 Education Act (ESEA) waivers and Ed-Flex, to strengthen accountability, consolidate funds, and align federal programs with SEA initiatives.

Speakers

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 →

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 →

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

General Session

11:35am EDT

Break & Transition

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

Dr. Jill Lammert

Director, National Comprehensive Center (NCC)

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

General Session

9:00am EDT

9:45am EDT

10:45am EDT

12:30pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

9:00am EDT

9:15am EDT

10:20am EDT

11:35am EDT

11:45am EDT

12:15pm EDT

12:30pm EDT

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