September 9-10, 2026
Stronger States, Stronger Outcomes brough state educational agency (SEA) leaders together for two days of practical peer learning, focused discussion, and dedicated time to turn promising ideas into action.
The convening was designed around practical examples from other states, candid exchange with peers, and opportunities to consider how new approaches can strengthen education agencies and improve outcomes for students.
Across the two days, participants were able to experience the following:
- Learn from SEAs putting ideas into practice. Through the Capacity Showcase, SEA leaders shared strategies, lessons, and emerging approaches across five levers to build capacity: Learning Agendas, partnerships, evidence-based instruction, strategy and resource alignment, and technical assistance to local educational agencies.
- Explore how Learning Agendas can strengthen SEA capacity. State education leaders heard from SEAs using learning agendas to connect strategic priorities with evidence, develop high-value learning questions, and build organizational capacity to turn evidence into action.
- Examine federal flexibilities in practice. State and federal leaders shared examples of how SEAs are using Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) waivers, Ed-Flex, and other flexibilities to reduce administrative burden, align resources, and respond to state and local priorities.
- Go deeper with peers. During the consultative exchange, participants reconnected directly with presenters to ask questions and discuss the practical details of implementation.
- Turn learning into next steps. Learning in Action sessions gave SEA teams time to reflect together, connect insights to strategic priorities, and identify ideas to take back to their agencies.
Discover more in the photos below.
