Governor Jeb Bush

Governor Jeb Bush, ExcelinEd Chairman and 43rd Governor of Florida, shares his vision for transforming education with proven policies that close learning gaps, expand opportunity, build pathways to in-demand jobs and more. He highlights the proven policies helping students and delves into emerging challenges facing education leaders nationwide—plus the innovative solutions state policymakers are using to reimagine learning and reshape education. This opening session promises to inspire ideas and ignite action to change policy and change lives.

Phone-Free Schools: What the Evidence Really Shows

Cell phone policies took school leaders, parents and state legislatures by storm over the past year. But do we know what actually happens when schools go phone-free? Explore findings from one of the first major studies on the topic and discover what the latest evidence reveals about classroom learning, student behavior, school culture and more.

Panelists:

• Superintendent Ellen Weaver, South Carolina Department of Education
• Dr. David Figlio, University of Rochester
• Melanie Hempe, ScreenStrong
• Michael Petrilli, The Thomas B. Fordham Institute (Moderator)

A Candid Conversation About Accountability: Why Some States Nail it, Others Miss the Mark

Join this thought-provoking fireside chat with education experts Chris Cerf and Christy Hovanetz on the evolution and current state of assessment and accountability systems. Explore student outcomes, the purpose and value of standardized tests and school ratings, and why some states succeed with strong accountability while others fall short. This session makes the case for rigorous measurement, unflinching transparency and upholding high expectations to drive success for all students.

Panelists:

• Dr. Christy Hovanetz, ExcelinEd
• Chris Cerf, Former New Jersey Commissioner of Education
• Secretary Aimee Guidera, Office of Governor Glenn Youngkin (Moderator)

Reading with Reason: The Case for Content–Rich Curricula

As nearly 40 states intensify their focus on evidence-based reading instruction—and 18 states eliminate three-cueing strategies—the literacy conversation is shifting toward the foundational role of content and knowledge-building in classroom curricula. But what distinguishes curricula that successfully build content knowledge, and how do these approaches affect literacy trajectories over time? In this session, policy experts will analyze the evidence for content-rich instruction, discuss what sets strong curricula apart and share how states are making bold moves to improve literacy outcomes.

Panelists:

• Robert Pondiscio, American Enterprise Institute
• Dr. Ashley Rogers Berner, Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy
• Kari Kurto, The Reading League
• Dr. Cara Candal, ExcelinEd (Moderator)

Making Pathways Actually Matter: Turning Ambition into Results for Every Graduate

Are college and career pathways truly delivering on their promise—or just checking boxes? In Mississippi, high school CTE graduates were earning just $13,000 a year. In Arkansas, some bachelor degree programs churn out graduates who consistently earn less than high school grads. These aren’t just statistics, they’re missed opportunities. Join the ExcelinEd team as we unveil a powerful new edition of Pathways Matter, and discover how policymakers can ensure every student has a real chance for success and graduates with the tools to make it happen.

Panelists:

• Director Stephen Dackin, Ohio Department of Education & Workforce
• Secretary Jacob Oliva, Arkansas Department of Education
• David Helveston, Associated Builders & Contractors, Pelican Chapter
• Ray Martinez, Texas Association of Community Colleges
• Adriana Harrington, ExcelinEd (Moderator)

Funding for Universal Choice

States are significantly expanding school choice, but antiquated funding formulas are blocking many parents from choosing the schools that are best for their children. This panel of experts will discuss how states can design funding to support universal choice—and which states are leading the way, by simplifying formulas, increasing parity and adjusting for student need.

Panelists:

• Matthew Joseph, ExcelinEd
• Martin Lueken, EdChoice
• Derrell Bradford, 50CAN
• Ebony Lee, Charter School Growth Fund (Moderator)

Keeping Up with AI: Smart Policies to Protect Students in a Fast-Paced Digital Age

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how we communicate, learn and work. How can we harness AI’s potential in education while building guardrails that foster authentic learning and ensure everyone’s safety? Join us for an eye-opening look at both the challenges and opportunities of AI, with a spotlight on how Utah’s State Board is tackling this fast-moving target, plus deep dives with two AI experts on the risks and guardrails needed to protect students.

Panelists:

• Matt Winters, Utah State Board of Education
• Robbie Torney, Common Sense Media
• Casey Mock, The Anxious Generation/Duke University
• Nathan Hoffman, ExcelinEd
• Chris Sprowls, Former Speaker of the Florida House (Moderator)

Freedom to Grow: Fostering Childhood Independence in the Digital Age

Join us for a thought-provoking discussion on how providing opportunities for students to develop self-management skills and resilience empowers them to engage more deeply in learning and achieve stronger outcomes. We’ll explore the current decline of childhood autonomy, the rise of digital dependence and the policies that can help restore balance—along with giving students critical skills for lifelong success.

Panelists:

• Senator Lincoln Filmore, Utah
• Nicole Runyon, Free to Fly
• James Adams, Pickens County School District
• Adam Peshek, Stand Together (Moderator)

The Fundamentals of Math Policy

There’s no question that NAEP data in math are discouraging, but solutions are possible. Learn what states can do to reverse math performance, including a focused look at math policy implementation. We’ll hear math success stories from Alabama, Indiana and Louisiana—three states using a range of evidence-based policy solutions that have shown real results with improved student outcomes.

Panelists:

• Superintendent Eric Mackey, Alabama Department of Education
• Representative Jake Teshka, Indiana
• Dr. Tristan Denly, Louisiana Board of Regents
• Lindsey Henderson, ExcelinEd (Moderator)

Emily Oster, Founder and CEO of ParentData

21st-Century Childhood: Helping Kids Thrive in the Modern Age

Emily Oster, founder and CEO of ParentData.org, shares research-backed insights on what supports healthy childhood development and the vital role state leaders and policymakers hold in shaping it. She explores four critical challenges: encouraging resilience without overparenting; balancing access to treatment while avoiding overmedication; closing education gaps for boys without disadvantaging girls; and the impact of smartphones on childhood. Supported by data and focused on solutions, Oster equips leaders with strategies to support healthier development, stronger learning and brighter futures for every student.

What’s Up with Federal Education Policy? 

Join this timely discussion on the biggest federal education headlines and what they mean for state leaders. Learn about the provisions in Congress’s sweeping “One Big Beautiful Bill,” from expanding Pell Grants for short-term credentials to new higher ed accountability rules and the launch of a federal scholarship tax credit.

Panelists:

• Patricia Levesque, ExcelinEd
• Lindsay Fryer, Lodestone DC
• Jim Blew, Defense of Freedom Institute for Policy Studies
• Erika Donalds, Education Freedom Foundation (Moderator)

Turning Struggle Into Strength: Policy Solutions for Adolescent Readers

What will it take to move the needle on adolescent literacy? Join our literacy experts for a timely discussion exploring how schools—and states—can better support struggling readers in middle and high school. From evidence-based interventions to targeted funding, assessments and teacher training, we’ll unpack the policies that can turn the tide for millions of students. If you’re ready to explore how to approach literacy beyond the early grades, this is the conversation you can’t afford to miss.

Panelists:

• Dr. Kymyona Burk, ExcelinEd
• Rebecca Kockler, Magpie Literacy
• Susan Lambert, Amplify (Moderator)

Celebrating 250 Years: Renewing Civic Education for a New Generation

With America’s 250th anniversary approaching, efforts to deepen civic knowledge and engagement are accelerating across the country. Join our dynamic panel that explores promising new approaches to K-12 civic education. This session examines the latest policies and programs designed to prepare young people to better understand our Constitution and collaborate across divides. Explore how schools and communities are creating environments for young people to find reliable information, engage in meaningful dialogue and become active participants in civic life.

Panelists:

• Secretary Cade Brumley, Louisiana Department of Education
• Olivia Gross, High School Law Review
• Beverly Sanford, The Institute for Citizens & Scholars
• Stefanie Sanford, Alithi Management Consulting (Moderator)

Great Teachers in the Making: Raising the Bar for Educator Prep Programs

As schools face rising demands, are teacher prep programs ensuring future educators are ready to teach literacy, math and beyond? This session dives into how states are raising the bar for teacher prep programs. From strengthening course content to holding programs accountable and elevating what works, you’ll learn key actions policymakers can take to ensure every new teacher is fully prepared for the classroom.

Panelists:

• Director McKenzie Snow, Iowa Department of Education
• Commissioner Susana Cordova, Colorado Department of Education
• Justine Morina, ExcelinEd
• Heather Peske, National Council on Teacher Quality
• Kira Orange Jones, TeachPlus (Moderator)

Angela Duckworth, Co-Founder of Character Lab

Phones in Focus: New Research on How Phone-Free Schools Are Making a Difference

As more states adopt policies to encourage distraction-free learning, renowned psychologist Angela Duckworth presents her latest research on what teachers are actually seeing in phone-free classrooms. Don’t miss this chance for a close-up look at what the data reveal about the policies’ impact. Duckworth’s evidence and insights will inspire every leader in education to put student achievement first—by creating classrooms where every child can be fully present, connect meaningfully with teachers and peers and engage deeply in the task of learning.

SPOTLIGHT SESSION: Data Systems & Sazeracs: Shaking Up State Systems for Educational Excellence | Location: Foster 2

Pull up a seat at the bar of innovation and join PowerSchool for “Data Systems & Sazeracs,” a lively roundtable where we’ll be mixing up bold ideas to build smarter, integrated, and more effective state data systems. This session blends the key ingredients of Proactive Student Supports, Nimble Data Governance, Talent Gap Closers, and Modern Funding Models into one potent educational conversation. We’ll mix in strategies on how states like Montana, Alabama and Arkansas are leveraging “connected data” to tackle student interventions, educator pipelines and budget transparency—all served with a twist of tech and a splash of policy. Whether you’re a data sommelier or just looking to spice up your state’s approach, come sip on fresh insights and leave with a recipe for results.

Federal Tax Credit: Winning Strategies for State Opt-In | Location: Strand 1

Join ACE Scholarships and Invest in Education Foundation for an interactive roundtable session on the new federal scholarship tax credit law, modeled after the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA). Attendees will receive the most current updates on the initiative, learn what’s next in the U.S. Treasury Department’s rulemaking process and collaborate on actionable strategies to help their states opt-in. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay ahead and shape the future of educational freedom.

Speakers:

• Norton Rainey – CEO, ACE Scholarships
• Anne Lesser – Chief of Staff, Invest in Education Foundation
• Peter Murphy – Senior Advisor, Invest in Education Foundation
• Jackie Guglielmo – Vice President of Services – ACE Scholarships

The Path to High-Quality Math Instruction: What States Can Do Now | Location: Strand 5

Despite years of effort, too many students across the country are still falling behind in math—a challenge that threatens long-term economic opportunity and workforce readiness. But progress is possible, as Kentucky and Alabama are beginning to show what’s achievable when leaders make bold, research-driven investments in teacher training prior to, during and following curriculum adoptions in mathematics. In this roundtable, Carnegie Learning will explore:

• The latest research on what drives high-quality math instruction
• Policy levers state leaders can use to accelerate improvement
• Lessons learned from states already taking action

Join us for a candid discussion on how states can move from incremental change to system-wide improvement, ensuring every student has access to the math teaching they need to succeed.

Speakers:

• Jimmy Brehm, Senior Vice President of Academic Partnerships, Carnegie Learning
• Peter LaCasse, Chief Strategy Officer, Carnegie Learning

Film Screening: Turnaround and the Future of Public Education | Location: Empire C

Join us for a private screening of Turnaround: The Reinvention of New Orleans’ Public Education System, which traces the city’s bold two-decade effort to rebuild its schools after Hurricane Katrina. The session opens with a 20-minute conversation on lessons from recovery and reform, followed by the film.

• Speaker: Patrick Dobard, Partner, City Fund

CHOOSE Act Alabama: ESA Implementation from A to Z | Location: Empire D

After Governor Ivey signed the CHOOSE Act into law in 2024, the Alabama Department of Revenue had quite the task: Launch a successful tax credit ESA that would be seen as a model across the country. With unique branding, marketing, and outreach that included a first-ever ESA influencer campaign, year one of the CHOOSE Act surpassed all expectations. Join us to discuss lessons learned and what the state is doing to streamline the family experience and make year two an even greater success!

Speakers:

• Cameran Clark, Department Secretary, Alabama Department of Revenue
• Arleen Alexander, Government Relations Manager, Tax Policy and Governmental Affairs, Alabama Department of Revenue
• Sarah Raybon, Vice President of Business Development, ClassWallet
• Bob Sanders, Senior Director, Client Success, ClassWallet

Accelerating Reading Achievement Through Strong Family Engagement + HQIM | Location: Strand 7

Families and caregivers play a critical role in student success, and schools have powerful opportunities to connect them to their children’s daily literacy growth. This roundtable will explore evidence-based strategies for building authentic home-school partnerships. We’ll share practical ways to spark meaningful family reading routines with decodable readers and highlight approaches that create trust and joy in the learning process. How can schools and families become true partners in accelerating literacy? What simple shifts can empower parents to support reading every day? Together, we will answer these questions and many others.

Speaker:

• Terri King Hunt, Director of Impact and Learning

After the Literacy Laws: How Can States Sustain the Science of Reading? | Location: Strand 8

State leaders and elected officials are invited to a dynamic roundtable discussion exploring the future of literacy policy. Many states have enacted strong Science of Reading legislation, but the next challenge is ensuring lasting impact. How do we move from passing laws to sustaining and realizing student literacy gains? This panel brings together leaders from states with robust policies to share lessons learned, emerging focus areas and strategies to keep literacy at the forefront of legislative portfolios. Join us to shape the next phase of state literacy initiatives and ensure lasting outcomes for all students.

Every Student Counts: So Let’s Talk Student Outcomes | Location: Strand 9

What does it take to move the needle on student success? In this roundtable discussion, leaders of the Marian University Center for Vibrant Schools share three years of student outcomes data documenting improved academic performance. Their data also show decreased chronic absenteeism, discipline referrals and grade retention. Discover scalable, research-backed solutions that help students shine inside and outside the classroom. 

Speakers:

• Bob Behning, Director of Center for Vibrant Schools & Director of External Affairs for Klipsch Educators College, Marian University
• Jillian Lain, Executive Director of Integrated Student Support & Center Strategy, Center for Vibrant Schools, Marian University

Policy Made Practical: Scaling ESA Programs with Product-First Design | Location: Bolden 2

How can states launch education savings account (ESA) programs that can scale—while effectively serving families, schools and vendors—without increasing costs and administrative overhead? In this roundtable session, we’ll explore how a product-led and automated approach streamlines every step of the process. This includes reducing application reviews from weeks to minutes, enabling pre-approved educational expenses and automating payments to parents, schools and providers. Learn how Odyssey’s platform is turning state-specific policy into practice and delivering better outcomes for families and stakeholders across the ESA ecosystem.

Speakers:

• Sam Ratcliffe, Chief Technology Officer at Odyssey
• Cheryl Wu, Head of Product at Odyssey
• Madison Yandell (Moderator)  

When AI Knows Things Too: The Future of Assessment | Location: Strand 6

We know assessment verifies competence and creates societal trust. Join Pearson as we preview of our new research into the Future of Assessments, where we ask questions like when AI can access the same knowledge, what does it mean to truly “know” something? How should Assessment evolve to capture understanding, not just information? After a short presentation, we will provide light refreshments and the opportunity to network and ask questions of the Pearson team.

Automatic Enrollment: A Bipartisan Approach to K-12 Math Acceleration | Location: Foster 1

States play a critical role in cultivating the STEM talent pipeline that drives American prosperity and economic competitiveness. 
  
Texas, North Carolina, Virginia, Indiana, and Washington have adopted Automatic Enrollment, a bipartisan policy that ensures students demonstrating high math proficiency are automatically placed in advanced courses unless families opt out. Research shows this approach expands access, boosts participation, and reduces racial, gender, and income disparities. 
  
This session will provide an overview of research, state examples, and model legislative language to advance automatic enrollment in their own state. 

Making Learning Local: Three States Building High Quality Instructional Materials | Location: Bolden 5

Join us for a rich exchange of ideas, strategies, and success stories as we celebrate the power of local voices. In this era where one-size-fits-all materials often fail to move the dial, state-developed curriculum offers a way to transform the educational landscape through instructional materials that reflect the needs of the communities we serve. In this session, participants will hear from state leaders who have supplemented, revised, or rebuilt their curricula and instructional materials to incorporate local histories, languages, texts, and contexts.  State leaders will share the unique challenges that led them to prioritize localized materials, steps they took to deeply engage their stakeholders, strategies they used to support implementation, and the measurable impact these efforts have had on student outcomes and teacher practice.  Come explore how thoughtful, state-driven curriculum design can help us create a more successful educational future for all students. 

Moderator: Jim Horne, Partner, Strategos Group, Former Florida Education Commissioner 

Speakers:

• Rep. Brad Buckley, Chair, Committee on Public Education, Texas House of Representatives

• Dr. Jenna Chiasson, Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Louisiana Department of Education 

Admiral William McRaven (Ret.), Author of Conquering Crisis

Conquering Crisis: Become a Leader Who Drives Change

Retired U.S. Navy admiral William McRaven brings his deep expertise in leadership and time-tested solutions to the 2025 Summit main stage. Drawing from his latest book, Conquering Crisis: Ten Lessons to Learn Before You Need Them, Admiral McRaven spells out the practical tools and high-impact strategies all leaders need to navigate complex challenges and drive meaningful change. His dynamic, uplifting approach will inspire every Summit attendee to return home ready to lead, transform education and achieve results.

Reimagining Rural Education: Collaboration and Opportunity in Rural America

Curious how states are preparing rural students for success after high school? Join this discussion as we hear from experts about the latest research on advanced manufacturing opportunities and the potential for new jobs in rural communities. Learn how Texas and Ohio are fostering inter-district collaboration and industry partnerships that prepare rural students to pursue career opportunities beyond high school, without having to leave the place they call home.

Panelists:

• Andrew Hodge, Texas Education Agency
• Jeremy Varner, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
• Doug Scott, McKinsey Institute
• Superintendent George Philhower, Eastern Hancock Schools
• David Struhs, ExcelinEd (Moderator)

Charter Schools and the Innovation Advantage

Discover how charter schools continue to lead the charge in educational innovation. We’ll explore cutting-edge strategies, from harnessing ESA programs that facilitate public school choice to designing future-focused school models tailored to career readiness. We’ll also unpack the tools and policy levers driving the next wave of innovation, growth and impact. If you’re shaping the future of today’s charter schools, this conversation is your roadmap.

Panelists:

• Dr. Cara Candal, ExcelinEd
• Dr. Pam McCue, Tennessee Nurses Middle College
• Scott Bess, Indiana Charter Innovation Center
• Starlee Coleman, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (Moderator)

Skipping the Admissions Process: Policies that Put Qualified Students Directly into College

Within the next five years, 72% of all jobs are projected to require a postsecondary degree or credential. Now is the time to pave the way for students to move seamlessly from K-12 education into two- or four-year colleges. Join leaders from four states as we explore innovative strategies that strengthen the transition from high school to higher education—and ensure more students are prepared for success.

Panelists:

• Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education
• Chancellor Mike Duffey, Ohio Department of Higher Education
• Ian Caraway, Office of the Governor of Georgia
• Angie Stallings, Utah System of Higher Education
• Nathan Oakley, ExcelinEd (Moderator)

The Future of School Choice

Discover innovative solutions from experts tackling the toughest barriers to expanding private school choice, from navigating zoning laws and facility limitations to bridging the public-private divide. Explore creative hybrid models, part-time enrollment options and collaborative strategies that are making choice more accessible and scalable—and shaping the future of education!

Panelists:

• Representative Brad Buckley, Texas
• Kerry McDonald, Foundation for Economic Education
• Mark Gleason, The Drexel Fund
• Shaka Mitchell, American Federation for Children (Moderator)

Tim Urban, Author of What’s Our Problem

The Art of Public Discourse: How We Lost It and How Curious Classrooms Can Bring It Back

Tim Urban brings his unique perspective on societal dynamics, critical thinking and the challenges of modern discourse to the 2025 Summit main stage. Drawing from his latest book, What’s Our Problem, A Self-Help Book for Societies, he’ll reveal the steep cost that “low-rung thinking” has on public discourse and offer practical solutions for creating learning environments for students that cultivate focus, humility and curiosity. By building idea labs instead of echo chambers and strengthening critical thinking skills, educators and leaders can create classrooms where students learn the art of respectful dialogue and help restore civility to public discourse.