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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Data Systems & Sazeracs: Shaking Up State Systems for Educational Excellence

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.

After the Literacy Laws: How Can States Sustain the Science of Reading?

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

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

Accelerating Reading Achievement Through Strong Family Engagement

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

Policy Made Practical: Scaling ESA Programs with Product-First Design

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  

Federal Tax Credit: Winning Strategies for State Opt-In

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.

The Path to High-Quality Math Instruction: What States Can Do Now

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