CCSSO MEMBER MEETING Annual 2016 PolicyForumonline.ccsso.org/iweb/upload/2016 Annual Policy...

Baltimore, MD | November 17-19, 2016

C C S S O M E M B E R M E E T I N G

AnnualForum

2016 Policy

All of the 2016 Annual Policy Forum materials are available at: www.eventmobi.com/apf2016

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2 Annual Policy Forum 2016 » Conference Overview

WELCOME

Chiefs,

It is with great pleasure we welcome you to the 2016 Annual Policy Forum. We are pleased that you could join us, and bring your valuable perspectives to this year’s meeting as we focus on our continued commitment to equity.

It’s an exciting time in education as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) provides more flexibility for states to develop strategic visions and design systems that best address the needs of all kids. With this new flexibility, we can continue to target our overarching aspiration to ensure that all students participating in our public education system—regardless of background—are prepared for success in college, careers, and life. Perhaps most importantly, we have the historic opportunity to redefine school improvement to help all kids succeed in our states.

Throughout the next three days, we will discuss next steps on implementing ESSA, explore solutions to deliver on the promise of equitable education for all kids, and examine what our education landscape will look like under the new administration.

This year’s meeting builds on a call to action we issued a year ago at the 2015 Annual Policy Forum, for all state chiefs to advance equity in education and confront the gaps that exist in each state. We have taken significant steps in this direction, focusing specifically on closing the American Indian opportunity gap across the country as well as working to advance equity through ESSA.

These are just two examples that show our commitment to integrate equity efforts into policy and practice to create a better education system for all kids. We know there is still work to be done, but we believe through collective action, together, we can ensure opportunities are available to continuously improve schools for all students across the nation. We look forward to digging in on these issues with all state education chiefs over the next three days.

Sincerely,

Chris Minnich Tony Evers Executive Director State Superintendent of Public Instruction The Council of Chief State School Officers Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction President of the CCSSO Board of Directors

Chris Minnich Tony Evers

Annual Policy Forum 2016 » Conference Overview 3

Conference FacilitiesBaltimore Marriott Waterfront 700 Aliceanna St.Baltimore, MD 21202Phone: 410.385.3000

Minor first aidGo to CCSSO’s Registration Area

Fire & Police – 911

hospitalMercy Medical Center345 Saint Paul PlaceBaltimore, MD 21202410.332.9000

Urgent Care FacilityConcentra Urgent Care100 S. Charles Street, Suite 150Baltimore, MD 21201410.752.3010

Nearest 24-hour pharmacyCVS Pharmacy (24 hours)630 Exeter StreetBaltimore, MD 21202410.962.6520

CCSSO OfficePlease visit the Registration Table on the fourth floor to register for the meeting or receive assistance from CCSSO staff.

if An Emergency Occurs1. Remain calm.

2. Contact the hotel operator.

3. Report the location of the emergency.

4. Calmly explain the nature of the emergency.

5. Give your name, say you are with CCSSO, give a phone number at your location if available.

6. Wait for direction from security.

7. Please allow operator to hang up first.

8. If safe, wait for emergency personnel to arrive, direct them to the emergency, only give assistance if requested by emergency personnel.

9. As soon as possible, report the emergency to the CCSSO Staff Office.

Evacuation Procedures1. Remain calm. Leave your location immediately. Do

not pack; it wastes valuable time.

2. Do not use elevators or escalators.

3. Assist any who may need help: elderly, injured, disabled.

4. However, do not loiter or wait for others.

5. Listen for further instructions via the hotel PA system or security personnel.

6. Watch for incoming emergency personnel—do not try to assist them unless requested to do so.

7. Proceed directly to the designated relocation area.

8. Do not try to re-enter the hotel for any reason.

9. You will receive directions from emergency services or hotel staff for proceeding to safe areas.

gENErAL iNFOrMATiON

Disclaimer: The ideas and opinions expressed in the meeting presentations and in any handout materials provided are those of the respective presenter. They are not those of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO)

nor can any endorsement by CCSSO be claimed. Council staff is excluded from this disclaimer.

4 Annual Policy Forum 2016 » Conference Overview

Baltimore marriott Waterfront 700 aliceanna St, Baltimore, mD 21202

CONFErENCE MAP

Annual Policy Forum 2016 » Conference Overview 5

CCSSO STrATEgiC PLAN

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is committed to ensuring that all students participating in our public education system—regardless of background—graduate prepared for college, careers, and life. To realize this, we bring together dedicated leaders and exceptional ideas to achieve measurable progress for every student. Our work includes supporting states as they implement new standards, reinvent systems that develop effective teachers, explore and adopt new technologies, and navigate political turmoil—all in the pursuit of helping students succeed.

Our focus for 2014-2017 includes five specific goals designed to advance—in partnership with our members—the work to ensure all students are prepared to succeed. CCSSO will support states as they:

Raise the Bar through Standards, Assessment, and Accountability Systems: In education systems, academic standards, assessment, and accountability structures are three of the most powerful drivers chiefs can use to ensure student success. CCSSO is harnessing the collective wisdom of the states to effectively implement and sustain higher academic standards; raise the quality of assessments to make them meaningful for students, parents, and educators; and reinvent accountability systems to clearly define and bring to life college- and career-ready expectations for all students.

Prepare Educators to Help All Students Succeed: Student success begins with ensuring every teacher has the necessary preparation, development, and support to serve as a leader in the classroom. Effective teachers and educators can turn possibilities into realities, and inspire students to transform their aspirations into achievements. Through our focus on the education workforce, CCSSO supports states as they improve systems that prepare, engage, support, evaluate, and diversify teachers and leaders.

Design New Approaches to Teaching and Learning: Identifying and scaling learning models that work is critical to implementing other major reforms in classrooms and schools—like college- and career-ready standards, aligned assessments, and systems for improving educator effectiveness. CCSSO’s staff connects chiefs with resources to break paths to innovation and build capacity for what’s next.

Implement and Sustain Promising Reforms: State education agency leaders have never been more influential, or under more pressure. CCSSO provides trusted guidance and support to chiefs and their staffs to bend overwhelming challenges into manageable ones. From individual professional development and peer-to-peer networking opportunities to communications and advocacy, CCSSO is committed to supporting our members as their roles and responsibilities continue to evolve and expand.

As an organization, CCSSO will: Maximize Our Impact: CCSSO is continuously looking for ways to improve as an orga-nization as well as the services provided to states. Our work in providing excellent member services hinges on our ability to be efficient and flexible in a constantly shifting education landscape, while also remaining transparent and fiscally responsible. These aspects of our work and mission allow us to collaborate with our members so that they can employ the right resources, implement critical reforms, and be part of a community of support that helps all students be prepared for college, careers, and life.

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) unites, elevates, and amplifies the voices of education chiefs working to prepare all students—regardless of background—for college, careers, and life. For more information, visit: www.CCSSO.org

Achieving Measurable Progress for All Students

Strategic Plan for Success

We are guided by one aspiration: to ensure that by 2017 we are making significant progress in preparing all students for success in college, careers, and life. CCSSO is committed to closing achievement gaps and ensuring significant academic gains are made by all students regardless of background. Why this aspiration? Student achievement is the cornerstone of everything we do.

Chris Minnich Executive Director, CCSSO

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6 Annual Policy Forum 2016 » Agenda

AgENDA

Overview

CCSSO and its members are guided by a deep commitment to equity. Our strategic plan sets forth an overarching aspiration to ensure that all students—regardless of background—are prepared for success in college, careers, and life. The Annual Policy Forum is an opportunity for state leaders to participate in thoughtful conversations on the policies and implementation work the Council supports to deliver on our collective goal.

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) provides states with a historic opportunity for states to act on their strategic visions and design systems that best address the needs of all kids. With this new flexibility, states are not only taking the lead on higher standards, improved assessments and next-generation accountability systems, states are also redefining school improvement to ensure all schools are able to meet the needs of every child, especially those who have traditionally been underserved.

At this Annual Policy Forum, state education chiefs will engage in cross-state conversations and serve as critical friends to one another as CCSSO strengthens its commitment to equity in education and works to find new strategies for how states can lead on improving all schools, whether through new indicators in an accountability system, additional supports and interventions or diversifying the teaching workforce.

CCSSO also looks forward to the opportunity to discuss what the shifting education landscape will look like under a new administration and meet with Secretary, John B. King, Jr. In addition, the Annual Policy Forum serves as the Council’s opportunity to conduct official business, including the election of new members to the Board of Directors and marks the beginning of the tenure of the new President of the Board of Directors.

ThUrSDAy, NOvEMBEr 17, 2016Sessions shaded in purple are invitation only.

8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. registration Open

Harborside Foyer

All participants are invited to register throughout the day. CCSSO staff will be on hand to answer questions about the meeting.

8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CCSSO Board of Directors Meeting

The Boardroom (Third Floor)

The CCSSO Board of Directors will meet with CCSSO Executive Director, Chris Minnich, and members of the Council leadership team to discuss the budget, implementation of the strategic plan, and policy ideas and decisions to bring to the full membership. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to Board members.

9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Stakeholder Engagement Workshop

Harborside E

States are making great strides in gathering feedback from stakeholders as they begin to transition to the Every Student Succeeds Act. This workshop will build on CCSSO’s initial meeting around stakeholder engagement in June to focus specifically on developing a long-term strategy for engaging stakeholders, from planning for and implementation of the transition to ESSA, to engaging stakeholders in evaluating this work in the coming years. This workshop is open to SEA staff, including but not limited to deputies, communications directors, federal liaisons, ESSA leads and stakeholder engagement leads. Lunch will be available to all participants after the workshop.

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Lunch

Harborside D

All participants attending pre-sessions on this day are welcome to enjoy lunch from a buffet. There will be space available for those who wish to enjoy their lunch informally, and participants are also welcome to bring lunch from the buffet into meeting rooms.

Annual Policy Forum 2016 » Agenda 7

AgENDA

12:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Leadership Academy (All Chiefs invited)

Atlantic Room (Third Floor)

All chiefs are invited to join for this session to provide input into the draft Leadership Academy Playbook. This is an opportunity to provide feedback and insights before the Playbook is finalized and hear from the chiefs involved in the development process. This process has been led by Stephen Bowen, CCSSO’s Strategic Initiative Director for Innovation ([email protected]) and chiefs may contact him directly with any questions.

12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m. Joint ESSA Discussion: All Deputies, Federal Liaisons & Communication Directors

Harborside E

Please bring lunch for this one hour joint meeting to discuss updates on the Every Student Succeeds Act. SEA staff will break into role alike groups after this joint lunch discussion.

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Communication Directors Meeting

Heron

All state communication directors are invited to attend a discussion session with peers and Melissa McGrath, CCSSO’s Director of Communications.

1:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Federal Liaisons Meeting

Galena

All state federal liaisons are invited to attend an informal discussion with peers and Peter Zamora, CCSSO’s Director of Federal Relations.

1:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Deputies Meeting

Essex

All state deputies are invited to attend a discussion session with peers and Carissa Miller, CCSSO’s Deputy Executive Director.

3:45 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. Break

Harborside Foyer

A networking break will be available to all participants attending pre-sessions.

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Leading for Equity (All Chiefs and SEA Staff Should Plan to Attend)

Harborside E

All chief state school officers, deputies, federal liaisons and communication directors are invited to attend this states-only session to discuss a set of commitments states can act on to advance equity, including opportunities to use the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to further strengthen these plans.

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Opening reception

Harborside Foyer

All guests are invited to an opening reception onsite.

mailto:[email protected]


AgENDA

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Opening Dinner and Keynote with the National Teacher of the year

Harborside Ballroom

Welcome

Chris Minnich, Executive Director, CCSSO

Dr. Karen Salmon, State Superintendent of Schools, Maryland Department of Education

Chris Minnich and Dr. Karen Salmon will welcome guests to CCSSO’s 2016 Annual Policy Forum in Baltimore, Maryland.

Student Performance

Baltimore School for the Arts Singers & Percussion, Group Directed by Chris Ford, Baltimore School for the Arts

Keynote introduction

Dr. Melody Schopp, Secretary of Education, South Dakota Department of Education and President-Elect, CCSSO Board of Directors

Keynote

Jahana hayes, 2016 National Teacher of the Year

CCSSO’s 2016 National Teacher of the Year will reflect on equity in education and what she has learned in the classroom and through her role as the National Teacher of the Year.

FriDAy, NOvEMBEr 18, 2016Sessions shaded in purple are invitation only.

7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. registration Open

Fourth Floor Convention Registration Desk

All meeting participants are invited to register throughout the day. CCSSO staff will be on hand to answer questions about the meeting.

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Chiefs Only Breakfast

Laurel A/B

All chiefs are welcome to join Chris Minnich for a members-only breakfast for discussion and networking. Deputies attending the Annual Policy Forum on behalf of their chief may join as well.

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Networking Breakfast

Harborside D/E

All members, invited participants, partners, and CCSSO staff are welcome to enjoy a networking buffet breakfast. There will be no programming during this breakfast.


AgENDA

9:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Opportunity and responsibility: Chiefs Policy Discussion on Equity

Harborside Ballroom

Dr. robert Balfanz, Professor, Johns Hopkins University School of Education and Director, Everyone Graduates Center

Dr. Tony Evers, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Wisconsin and CCSSO Board President


Jaqueline Tucker, Esq., Equity Fellow, CCSSO

Chiefs will sit together as a membership to discuss next steps on delivering on an equity agenda for all students. All invited participants are welcome to join as active listeners to the discussion.

10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Networking Break

Harborside Foyer

11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. State Spotlight: Lawrence, Massachusetts

Harborside Ballroom

Introduction: russell Johnston, Senior Associate Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Reactor: Christina Jusino, 6th Grade Science Teacher, Spark Academy, and Teach PLUS Fellow

Lawrence Public Schools in Massachusetts is often highlighted as a successful example of school improvement. CCSSO visited Lawrence to see the results first-hand and learn more about how this school district has made progress. No matter which school you visit in this community, one thing is clear: their success is a direct result of the investment they have made in the local educator workforce. A brief video followed by reflections from a Lawrence teacher will show what this state-initiated district turnaround has meant for students, teachers, and the community.

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. redefining School improvement: State roles and responsibilities to Kids

Harborside Ballroom

Moderator:

Carrie heath Phillips, Director of School Improvement, CCSSO

Panelists:

Dr. Brenda Cassellius, Commissioner, Minnesota Department of Education

Dr. Dorsey hopson, Superintendent, Shelby County Schools, Tennessee

During this moderated discussion, panelists will share two unique approaches to school improvement that are impacting outcomes for kids. They will reflect on what we have learned about school improvement throughout implementation of No Child Left Behind and other state initiatives, the urgency for action, and how states can redefine school improvement in this new era of state leadership under federal law.

12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Networking Lunch

Harborside D/E

All participants are invited to a networking lunch.

1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Transition


AgENDA

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. State implementation of Policies Toward Advancing Equity Through ESSA: Concurrent Chief-Led Breakout Discussions

Chief state school officers will lead breakout discussion sessions on three important policy topics. All participants are invited to choose one breakout discussion to attend.

1. Building a Diverse Teaching Workforce

Laurel A/B

Dr. Margie vandeven, Commissioner of Education, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

Dr. Saroja Warner, Program Director, Education Workforce, CCSSO

Diversifying the teacher workforce is a top priority for school districts and states, and most important to ensure we have a workforce that is as diverse as the students it serves. For this reason CCSSO is issuing a call to action to states to commit to addressing this challenge. In this session participants will learn about the key opportunities along the teacher pipeline, possibilities for addressing leaks and will be encouraged to commit to take action to diversify their states’ teaching workforce.

2. Addressing the Needs of the Whole Child: State role in Creating Support Services for All

Laurel C/D

Moderator:

Anokhee Dave, ESSA Project Manager, CCSSO

Panelists:

Dr. June Atkinson, June Atkinson, Superintendent of Public Instruction, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction

Dr. Carlas McCauley, Director for Center on School Turnaround, WestEd

Pedro rivera, Secretary of Education, Pennsylvania Department of Education

ESSA provides states with the flexibility to address opportunity gaps and improve achievement within their state contexts. States are promoting equity by acting on data from accountability systems to target resources and tailor supports to meet students’ needs. Panelists in this session will discuss the role that states are playing to ensure that all students receive the academic, physical, mental, and social and emotional support needed to promote achievement through community schools and similar strategies.

3. indicators to interventions: Accountability Systems that Drive Continuous improvement

Essex

Moderator:

Kirsten Carr, Accountability Director, CCSSO

Panelists:

Dr. Stephen Pruitt, Commissioner of Education, Kentucky Department of Education

Dr. Steven Staples, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Virginia Department of Education

ESSA presents a significant opportunity for states to design accountability systems that prepare all youth for college, career and life. This session will focus on the intersection between accountability and support systems to improve the college and career readiness of all students. Under ESSA, state leaders have increased flexibility to determine which indicators they want included in their accountability systems and how data from those indicators will be used to successfully impact student outcomes. In this session state leaders will engage in a discussion about how they are selecting those indicators and how they intend to use data from those indicators to lead to positive changes in schools.


AgENDA

2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Networking Break

Harborside Foyer

2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. State Spotlight: “Believe and Prepare” Louisiana video

Harborside Ballroom

Introduction by John White, State Superintendent of Education, Louisiana

Through CCSSO’s Network for Transforming Educator Preparation (NTEP), Louisiana has further developed their residency work in partnership with their higher education institutions and their districts. The teacher preparation work called “Believe and Prepare,” enables their new teachers to spend a full year with another teacher in the classroom prior to teaching alone in their own class.

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. We’re in This Together: K-12 and higher Education as Partners to Ensure Student Success

Harborside Ballroom

Moderator:

Matt gandal, President, Education Strategy Group

Panelists:

Dr. MaryEllen Elia, Commissioner of Education, New York State Education Department

Dr. robert Donley, Executive Director, Iowa Board of Regents and Chair, State Higher Education Executive Officers (SHEEO) Board of Directors

Dr. David Tilly, Deputy Director, Iowa Department of Education

Dr. Nancy Zimpher, Chancellor of State University of New York (SUNY) and Chair, National Association of System Heads (NASH) Board of Directors

This session will feature state K-12 chiefs and higher education executives who will share their vision for working together across sectors to ensure all students are ready for college and careers. By aligning expectations and streamlining student supports, K-12 and higher education can partner to provide students with a strong foundation in high school while smoothing the transition into postsecondary education.

4:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. State Spotlight: Florida Leadership Academy video

Harborside Ballroom

Introduction by Pam Stewart, Commissioner, Florida Department of Education

The Leadership Academy is a year-long rigorous professional development program for Florida principals, principal supervisors and education leaders. The job-embedded and research-based program includes three institutes and five school site “learning walks” with a regional cohort to practice instructional leadership skills, focusing on increased knowledge and skills to improve teacher effectiveness and student achievement.

4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Free Time

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Networking happy hour

Harborside Foyer

All participants are invited to a happy hour reception. Please note that there is no dinner or evening programming, and you are welcome to enjoy the city of Baltimore.


AgENDA

SATUrDAy, NOvEMBEr 19, 2016Sessions shaded in purple are invitation only.

7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Chiefs Only Breakfast to Elect the 2017 Board of Directors & Private Session with Secretary John B. King, Jr.

Laurel A/B

All chiefs are requested to join the Internal Operations Committee for the election of the 2017 Board of Directors and the President-Elect. Candidates nominated by the Internal Operations Committee have been shared with all of the chiefs ahead of the Annual Policy Forum. All chiefs are entitled to one vote. If absent, the chief may designate a proxy to vote in his or her place.

Chiefs will engage in a private discussion with Secretary John B. King, Jr.

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Networking Breakfast

Harborside D/E

All members, invited participants, partners, and CCSSO staff are welcome to enjoy a networking breakfast. There will be no programming during this breakfast.

9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. remarks from the incoming CCSSO Board President

Harborside Ballroom

Speaker:

Dr. Melody Schopp, Secretary of Education, South Dakota Department of Education and Incoming CCSSO Board President, CCSSO Board of Directors

CCSSO recognizes Dr. Tony Evers for his year of service as the 2015-2016 President of the Board of Directors and Dr. June Atkinson for her service to the Board over the past seven years as a Director, President-Elect, President and Past-President.

Dr. Melody Schopp will assume the office of 2016-2017 President of the CCSSO Board of Directors and share a vision for the direction and priorities of the organization for the year ahead. Dr. Schopp will also share a video of the work taking place to elevate the teaching profession in South Dakota.

State Spotlight: South Dakota Elevating the Teaching Profession video

If you talk with a teacher in South Dakota today, you will notice how excited they are to live and work in their state. Why? Over the past year, educators, policymakers and advocates joined together to champion and pass a significant investment in teachers across the state, including a raise in sales tax to increase teacher salaries, a new mentoring program and a stronger focus on personalized learning for all kids. CCSSO visited schools in South Dakota to see how this legislation is having a direct impact on students and teachers.

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Next Steps on National Education Policy

Harborside Ballroom


Dr. John King, Jr., U.S. Secretary of Education, U.S. Department of Education

Secretary King will join participants for a conversation about the ongoing regulation process for ESSA, the U.S. Department of Education’s timeline and priorities for implementation, and his view on the landscape for education at the national level with a new administration. There will also be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions.

10:30 a.m.- 10:45 a.m. Networking Break

Harborside Foyer

10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Transition to a New Administration

Harborside Ballroom

Participants:


Peter Zamora, Director of Federal Relations, CCSSO

D’Arcy Philps, Principal, Penn Hill Group

CCSSO will provide a post-election update and an update on the transition to a new Presidential Administration.

12:00 p.m. Conclusion of the Annual Policy Forum

Boxed lunches will be available to all guests as they depart.

Annual Policy Forum 2016 » Board of Directors 13

BOArD OF DirECTOrS

The CCSSO Board of Directors manages the overall business affairs of the Council and is the governing body of the organization.

Officers

Directors

President: Tony EversWisconsin

President-Elect: Melody Schopp South Dakota

Past-President: June Atkinson North Carolina

Randy DornWashington

Michael Martirano West Virginia

Hanna SkanderaNew Mexico

Carey Wright Mississippi

Virginia BarryNew Hampshire

Brenda CasselliusMinnesota

14 Annual Policy Forum 2016 » Membership Directory

ChiEFS— The names of chiefs in attendance are in red —

AlAbAmAMichael Sentance State Superintendent of Education https://www.alsde.edu Assumed Office: 08/11/2016Appointed by State Board

AlAskAMichael JohnsonCommissioner of Education and Early Development http://www.eed.state.ak.usAssumed Office: 7/1/2016Appointed by SBEConfirmed by Governor

AmericAn sAmoASalu Hunkin-FinauDirector of Educationhttp://www.doe.asAssumed Office: 1/1/2013Appointed by Governor

ArizonADiane DouglasState Superintendent of Public Instructionhttp://www.ade.state.az.usAssumed Office: 1/5/2015Elected by Popular Vote

ArkAnsAsJohnny KeyCommissioner of Educationhttp://www.arkansased.orgAssumed Office: 3/26/2015Appointed by Governor

bureAu of indiAn educAtionAnn Marie Bledsoe DownesActing Director http://www.bie.edu/Assumed Office: 4/25/2016Appointed by DOI

cAliforniATom TorlaksonState Superintendent of Public Instructionhttp://www.cde.ca.govAssumed Office: 1/3/2011Elected by Popular Vote

colorAdoKaty Anthes Interim Commissioner of Education https://www.cde.state.co.us/Assumed Office: 5/20/2016Appointed by State Board

connecticutDianna Roberge-WentzellCommissioner of Educationhttp://www.sde.ct.govAssumed Office: 1/6/2015Appointed by State Board

delAwAreSteven GodowskySecretary of Educationhttp://www.doe.k12.de.usAssumed Office: 10/28/2015Appointed by Governor, Confirmed by Senate

Annual Policy Forum 2016 » Membership Directory 15


depArtment of defense educAtion ActivityThomas BradyDoDEA Directorhttp://www.dodea.eduAssumed Office: 3/20/2014Appointed by DoDEA

district of columbiAHanseul KangState Superintendent of Educationhttp://osse.dc.govAssumed Office: 3/23/2015Appointed by Mayor of District of Columbia

floridAPam StewartCommissioner of Educationhttp://www.fldoe.orgAssumed Office: 8/2/2013Appointed by State Board

GeorGiARichard WoodsState Superintendent of Schoolshttp://www.doe.k12.ga.usAssumed Office: 1/12/2015Elected by Popular Vote

GuAmJoseph SanchezActing Superintendent of Education https://sites.google.com/a/gdoe.net/gdoeAssumed Office: 2016Appointed by State Board

HAwAi’iKathryn MatayoshiSuperintendent of Educationhttp://doe.k12.hi.usAssumed Office: 9/13/2010Appointed by State Board

idAHoSherri YbarraState Superintendent of Public Instructionhttp://www.sde.idaho.govAssumed Office: 1/5/2015Elected by Popular Vote

illinoisTony SmithState Superintendent of Educationhttp://www.isbe.state.il.usAssumed Office: 5/1/2015Appointed by State Board

indiAnAGlenda RitzState Superintendent of Public Instructionhttp://www.doe.in.govAssumed Office: 1/19/2013 Elected by Popular Vote

iowARyan WiseDirector of Educationhttp://www.educateiowa.govAssumed Office: 7/1/2015Appointed by Governor



kAnsAsRandy WatsonCommissioner of Education http://www.ksde.orgAssumed Office: 7/1/2015Appointed by State Board

kentuckyStephen PruittCommissioner of Educationhttp://www.education.ky.govAssumed Office: 10/16/2015Appointed by State Board

louisiAnAJohn White State Superintendent of Education http://www.doe.state.la.usAssumed Office: 1/11/2012Appointed by State Board

mAineWilliam BeardsleyDeputy Commissioner of Educationhttp://www.maine.gov/educationAssumed Office: 10/16/2015Appointed by Governor

mArylAndKaren Salmon State Superintendent of Schools http://www.msde.maryland.govAssumed Office: 7/1/2016Appointed by State Board

mAssAcHusettsMitchell ChesterCommissioner of Educationhttp://www.doe.mass.eduAssumed Office: 5/19/2008Appointed by State Board, Confirmed by Governor

micHiGAnBrian WhistonState Superintendent of Public Instructionhttp://www.michigan.gov/mdeAssumed Office: 7/1/2015Appointed by State Board

minnesotABrenda CasselliusCommissioner of Educationhttp://www.education.state.mn.usAssumed Office: 12/31/2010Appointed by Governor

mississippiCarey Wright Superintendent of Educationhttp://www.mde.k12.ms.usAssumed Office: 11/1/2013Appointed by State Board

missouriMargie VandevenCommissioner of Educationhttp://dese.mo.govAssumed Office: 1/1/2015Appointed by State Board



montAnADenise JuneauState Superintendent of Public Instructionhttp://opi.mt.govAssumed Office: 1/5/2009Elected by Popular Vote

nebrAskAMatthew BlomstedtCommissioner of Educationhttp://www.education.ne.govAssumed Office: 1/2/2014Appointed by State Board

nevAdASteve CanaveroState Superintendent of Public Instructionhttp://www.doe.nv.govAssumed Office: 8/20/2015Appointed by Governor

new HAmpsHireVirginia BarryCommissioner of Educationhttp://www.education.nh.govAssumed Office: 6/1/2009Appointed by Governor, Confirmed by Executive Council

new JerseyKimberley Harrington Interim Commissioner of Education http://www.state.nj.us/education Assumed office: 10/1/2016 Appointed by Governor

new mexicoHanna SkanderaSecretary of Educationhttp://www.ped.state.nm.usAssumed Office: 12/1/2010Appointed by Governor

new yorkMaryEllen EliaCommissioner of Educationhttp://www.nysed.govAssumed Office: 7/6/2015Appointed by State Board

nortH cArolinAJune AtkinsonState Superintendent of Public Instructionhttp://www.ncpublicschools.orgAssumed Office: 8/23/2005Elected by Popular Vote

nortH dAkotAKirsten BaeslerState Superintendent of Public Instructionhttp://www.dpi.state.nd.usAssumed Office: 1/1/2013 Elected by Popular Vote

nortHern mAriAnA islAndsRita SablanCommissioner of Educationhttp://www.cnmipss.orgAssumed Office: 8/1/2008 Appointed by Governor



oHioPaolo DeMaria State Superintendent of Public Instruction http://www.ode.state.oh.usAssumed Office: 6/27/2016Appointed by State Board

oklAHomAJoy HofmeisterState Superintendent of Public Instructionhttp://sde.state.ok.usAssumed Office: 1/12/2015Elected by Popular Vote

oreGonSalam NoorDeputy Superintendent of Public Instructionhttp://www.ode.state.or.usAssumed Office: 7/1/2015Appointed by Governor

pennsylvAniAPedro RiveraSecretary of Educationhttp://www.education.state.pa.usAssumed Office: 1/20/2015Appointed by Governor

puerto ricoRafael Román MeléndezSecretario de Educaciónhttp://de.gobierno.prAssumed Office: 8/19/13Appointed by Governor

rHode islAndKen WagnerCommissioner of Educationhttp://www.ride.ri.govAssumed Office: 7/13/2015Appointed by State Board

soutH cArolinAMolly SpearmanState Superintendent of Educationhttp://www.ed.sc.govAssumed Office: 1/9/2015Elected by Popular Vote

soutH dAkotAMelody SchoppSecretary of Educationhttp://doe.sd.govAssumed Office: 1/18/2011Appointed by Governor

tennesseeCandice McQueenCommissioner of Educationhttp://www.tn.gov/educationAssumed Office: 1/17/2015Appointed by Governor

texAsMike MorathCommissioner of Educationhttp://www.tea.state.tx.usAssumed Office: 1/4/2016Appointed by Governor



utAHSydnee DicksonState Superintendent of Public Instructionhttp://www.schools.utah.govAssumed Office: 2/18/2016Appointed by State Board

vermontRebecca HolcombeSecretary of Educationhttp://www.education.vermont.govAssumed Office: 1/2/2014Appointed by Governor

virGin islAndsSharon McCollumCommissioner of Educationhttp://www.doe.viAssumed Office: 6/4/2015Appointed by Governor

virGiniASteven StaplesState Superintendent of Public Instructionhttp://www.doe.virginia.govAssumed Office: 5/1/2014Appointed by Governor

wAsHinGtonRandy DornState Superintendent of Public Instructionhttp://www.k12.wa.usAssumed Office: 1/14/2009Elected by Popular Vote

west virGiniAMichael MartiranoState Superintendent of Schoolshttp://wvde.state.wv.usAssumed Office: 9/1/2014Appointed by State Board

wisconsinTony EversState Superintendent of Public Instructionhttp://dpi.wi.govAssumed Office: 4/1/2009Elected by Popular Vote

wyominGJillian BalowState Superintendent of Public Instructionhttp://edu.wyoming.govAssumed Office: 1/5/2015Elected by Popular Vote

20 Annual Policy Forum 2016 » Chief Tenure

ChiEF TENUrE

name title StateDate

assumed Office

Time in Office (current to

11/1/16)

Kimberley Harrington Interim Education Commissioner New Jersey 10/1/16 1 month

Michael Sentance State Superintendent of Education Alabama 8/11/16 2 months

Joseph Sanchez Acting Superintendent of Education Guam 7/18/16 3 months

Michael Johnson Commissioner of Education and Early Development Alaska 7/1/16 4 months

Karen Salmon State Superintendent of Schools Maryland 7/1/16 4 months

Paolo DeMaria Superintendent of Public Instruction Ohio 6/27/16 4 months

Katy Anthes Interim Commissioner of Education Colorado 5/20/16 5 months

Ann Marie Bledsoe Downes Acting Director Bureau of Indian

Education 4/25/16 6 months

Sydnee Dickson State Superintendent of Public Instruction Utah State 2/18/16 8 months

Mike Morath Commissioner of Education Texas 1/4/16 9 months

Steven Godowsky Secretary of Education Delaware 10/28/15 1 year

Stephen Pruitt Commissioner of Education Kentucky 10/16/15 1 year

William Beardsley Acting Deputy Commissioner of Education Maine 10/16/15 1 year

Steve Canavero State Superintendent of Public Instruction Nevada 8/20/15 1 year, 2 months

Ken Wagner Commissioner of Education Rhode Island 7/14/15 1 year, 3 months

MaryEllen Elia Commissioner of Education New York 7/6/15 1 year, 3 months

Ryan Wise Director of Education Iowa 7/1/15 1 year, 4 months

Randy Watson Commissioner of Education Kansas 7/1/15 1 year, 4 months

Brian Whiston State Superintendent of Public Instruction Michigan 7/1/15 1 year, 4 months

Salam Noor Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction Oregon 7/1/15 1 year, 4 months

Sharon McCollum Commissioner of Education Virgin Islands 6/4/15 1 year, 4 months

Tony Smith State Superintendent of Education Illinois 5/1/15 1 year, 6 months

Johnny Key Commissioner of Education Arkansas 3/26/15 1 year, 7 months

Hanseul Kang State Superintendent of Education District of Columbia 3/23/15 1 year, 7 months

Pedro Rivera Secretary of Education Pennsylvania 1/20/15 1 year, 9 months

Candice McQueen Commissioner of Education Tennessee 1/17/15 1 year, 9 months

Molly Spearman State Superintendent of Education South Carolina 1/14/15 1 year, 9 months

Richard Woods State Superintendent of Schools Georgia 1/12/15 1 year, 9 months

Joy Hofmeister State Superintendent of Public Instruction Oklahoma 1/12/15 1 year, 9 months

Dianna Wentzell Commissioner of Education Connecticut 1/6/15 1 year, 9 months

Annual Policy Forum 2016 » Chief Tenure 21

ChiEF TENUrE

Diane Douglas State Superintendent of Public Instruction Arizona 1/5/15 1 year, 9 months

Sherri Ybarra State Superintendent of Public Instruction Idaho 1/5/15 1 year, 9 months

Jillian Balow State Superintendent of Public Instruction Wyoming 1/5/15 1 year, 9 months

Margie Vandeven Commissioner of Education Missouri 1/1/15 1 year, 10 months

Michael Martirano State Superintendent of Schools West Virginia 9/15/14 2 years, 1 month

Steven Staples State Superintendent of Public Instruction Virginia 5/1/14 2 years, 6 months

Thomas Brady Director DoDEA 3/20/14 2 years, 7 months

Matthew Blomstedt Commissioner of Education Nebraska 1/2/14 2 years, 9 months

Rebecca Holcombe Secretary of Education Vermont 1/2/14 2 years, 9 months

Carey Wright Superintendent of Education Mississippi 11/1/13 3 years

Pam Stewart Commissioner of Education Florida 8/2/13 3 years, 2 months

Glenda Ritz State Superintendent of Education Indiana 1/19/13 3 years, 9 months

Rafael Román Meléndez Secretario de Educación Puerto Rico 1/2/13 3 years, 9 months

Salu Hunkin-Finau Director of Education American Samoa 1/1/13 3 years, 10 months

Kirsten Baesler State Superintendent of Public Instruction North Dakota 1/1/13 3 years, 10 months

John White State Superintendent of Education Louisiana 1/11/12 4 years, 9 months

Melody Schopp Secretary of Education South Dakota 1/18/11 5 years, 9 months

Tom Torlakson State Superintendent of Public Instruction California 1/3/11 5 years, 9 months

Brenda Cassellius Commissioner of Education Minnesota 12/31/10 5 years, 10 months

Hanna Skandera Secretary of Education New Mexico 12/1/10 5 years, 11 months

Kathryn Matayoshi Superintendent of Education Hawaii 1/8/10 6 years, 9 months

Virginia Barry Commissioner of Education New Hampshire 6/1/09 7 years, 5 months

Anthony Evers State Superintendent of Public Instruction Wisconsin 4/7/09 7 years, 6 months

Randy Dorn State Superintendent of Public Instruction Washington 1/14/09 7 years, 9 months

Denise Juneau State Superintendent of Public Instruction Montana 1/5/09 7 years, 9 months

Rita Sablan Commissioner of Education Northern Mariana Islands 8/1/08 8 years, 3 months

Mitchell Chester Commissioner of Education Massachusetts 5/19/08 8 years, 5 months

June Atkinson State Superintendent of Public Instruction North Carolina 8/23/05 11 years, 2 months

AvErAgE LENgTh OF TErMMONThS

34.31yEArS 2.87

name title StateDate

assumed Office

Time in Office (current to

11/1/16)

22 Annual Policy Forum 2016 » Meeting Participants

SEA STAFF

AlAbAmA Jeffery LanghamAssistant State Superintendent, Division of External [email protected]

ArkAnsAsMark GotcherDeputy Commissioner [email protected]

cAliforniA Debra BrownDivision Director for Government [email protected]

colorAdo Dana SmithChief Communications [email protected]

Joyce ZurkowskiExecutive Director of [email protected]

connecticut Ellen CohnDeputy [email protected]

Ajit GopalakrishnanChief Performance [email protected]

delAwAre Karen Field RogersDelaware Deputy [email protected]

Susan HaberstrohDirector, Policy & External [email protected]

district of columbiAShana YoungChief of [email protected]

depArtment of defense educAtion ActivityLinda CurtisPrincipal Deputy Director and Associate Director of [email protected]

floridA Tanya CooperGovernmental Relations Director [email protected]

Kathy HebdaDeputy [email protected]

Cathy SchroederInterim Communications [email protected]

idAHo Jeff ChurchChief Communications [email protected]

Duncan RobbChief Policy [email protected]

Tim McMurtreyDeputy Superintendent of [email protected]

indiAnA Jeff CoyneDirector of Federal [email protected]

iowA David TillyDeputy [email protected]

kAnsAs Brad NeuenswanderDeputy Commissioner [email protected]

kentucky Kevin BrownAssociate Commissioner and General [email protected]

Mary Ann MillerExecutive Director of State Board and Policy Advisor to [email protected]

louisiAnA Erin BendilyPolicy and Governmental [email protected]

Annual Policy Forum 2016 » Meeting Participants 23

SEA STAFF

mAine Jaci HolmesFederal and State Legislative [email protected]

Jamie LoganCommunications [email protected]

Jennifer TarrDirector of Special [email protected]

mArylAndCarol WilliamsonDeputy Superintendent for Teaching and Learning [email protected]

Debbie LichterDirector, Departmental Coordination & National Legislation [email protected]

mAssAcHusetts Russell JohnstonSenior Associate [email protected]

mississippiKim BentonChief Academic [email protected]

Patrice GuilfoyleCommunications [email protected]

Pete SmithBureau Manager of Communications & Legislative [email protected]

missouri Stacey PreisDeputy Commissioner for the Division of Learning [email protected]

nevAdA Brett BarleyDeputy Superintendent of Student [email protected]

Matt Smith Director for School Improvemet [email protected]

new HAmpsHire Heather GageChief of [email protected]

Paul LeatherDeputy [email protected]

new mexico Christopher RuszkowskiDeputy Secretary, Policy and Program [email protected]

new york Nicolas Storelli-CastroDirector of Governmental [email protected]

nortH cArolinA Lou FabrizioDirector of Data, Research and Federal [email protected]

Rebecca GarlandDeputy State [email protected]

nortH dAkotA Laurie MatzkeAssistant Superintendent for Student Support and [email protected]

Dale WetzelPublic Information Specialist [email protected]

nortHern mAriAnA islAndsGlenn MunaAssociate Commissioner for Administrative [email protected]

Yvonne PangelinanAssociate Commissioner for Students and Support Services, [email protected]

Tim ThornburghFederal Programs [email protected]

Joseph TorresNetworks and Communications Program Officer,[email protected]


SEA STAFF

oHio Jeremy MarksDirector,Office of Federal Programs/Federal [email protected]

Jimmy SheppardChief of [email protected]

oklAHomA Phil BacharachSenior Policy [email protected]

Heather GriswoldChief of Public [email protected]

Matt HolderDeputy Superintendent of Finance and Federal [email protected]

Cindy KossDeputy Superintendent of Academic Affairs and [email protected]

Robyn MillerDeputy Superintendent for Educator Effectiveness & Policy [email protected]

Carolyn ThompsonDirector of Government [email protected]

oreGon Michelle HooperChief of [email protected]

pennsylvAniADavid VolkmanExecutive Deputy [email protected]

Beth OlanoffPolicy Director [email protected]

puerto rico Harry Valentin GonzalezUndersecretary of Academic [email protected]

soutH cArolinA Elizabeth CarpentierChief of Staff/[email protected]

tennessee Kathleen AirhartDeputy [email protected]

vermont Heather BoucheyDeputy [email protected]

Amy FowlerDeputy [email protected]

virGin islAnds Chermaine HobsonAssistant [email protected]

virGiniA Lynn SodatTitle I [email protected]

wAsHinGton Kenneth KanikebergChief of [email protected]

west virGiniA Michele BlattChief Accountability and Performance Officer for School [email protected]

wisconsin Emilie AmundsonChief of Staff [email protected]

Michael ThompsonDeputy State [email protected]

wyominGKari EakinsCommunications [email protected]

Dicky ShanorChief of [email protected]

Annual Policy Forum 2016 » Speakers 25

SPEAKErS

Dr. Robert BalfanzProfessor, Johns hopkins University School of Education and Director, Everyone graduates Center

Dr. Robert Balfanz is a research professor at the Center for the Social Organization of Schools at Johns Hopkins University School of Education, where he is co-director of the Talent Development Secondary reform model and director of the Everyone Graduates Center.

He is a leader and a co-founder of Diplomas Now, an evidence based school transformation model for high needs middle and high schools which combines whole school reform with enhance student supports guided by an early warning system and winner of a federal Investing in Innovation (i3) validation grant which is currently being implemented in forty schools across twelve school districts.

He has published widely on secondary school reform, high school dropouts, early warning systems, chronic absenteeism, school climate, and instructional interventions in high-poverty schools. He focuses on translating research findings into effective school interventions.

He is currently serving as the Co-Chair of My Brother’s Keeper Success Mentor Initiative aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism. Dr. Balfanz is the first recipient of the Alliance For Excellent Education’s Everyone a Graduate Award and the National Forum’s to Accelerate Middle Grade Reform Joan Lipsitzs Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2013, he was named a Champion for Change for African American Education by the White House.

He holds a B.A. in history from Johns Hopkins University and a PhD in education from the University of Chicago.

Dr. Robert DonleyExecutive Director, iowa Board of regents and Chair, State higher Education Executive Officers (ShEEO) Board of Directors

Dr. Bob Donley was appointed Executive Director of the Board of Regents, State of Iowa in May 2008. Prior to his appointment, he held the position of Chief of Staff and Operations for the Board of Governors and Chancellor Mark B. Rosenberg for the State University System of Florida, the governing Board for the 12 public universities in the state of Florida.

Previously, Dr. Donley served in a variety of key administrative positions with Florida International University (FIU), including Chief of Staff to the President, Chief of Staff to the Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Human Resources, Chief of Staff to the Executive Vice President for Business, Finance, and Governmental Relations, and Director of Public Affairs for the Executive Vice President and Provost for Academic Affairs. Prior to joining FIU, Donley worked in Washington, D.C. where he served as the National Executive Director of the Samaritans, a national nonprofit suicide-prevention organization. During his public service in his native state of Rhode Island, he served as the Deputy Secretary of State and Chief of Staff for the Department of State. During that time, he was elected as a nonpartisan delegate to the Rhode Island Constitutional Convention.

Dr. Donley serves as chair of the national organization of Chief Executive Officers of public university systems. Donley has been a member of the State Higher Education Executive Officers (SHEEO) since his appointment in 2008, and served on the Executive Committee, and as Co-Chair of the Federal Relations Committee. He is also a member of the National Association of System Heads (NASH).

Donley holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. He holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Saint Joseph’s College in Maine, and Bachelor Degrees in Political Science and History from the University of Rhode Island.

Matt GandalMatt Gandal founded Education Strategy Group in 2012 to support states, national organizations, and foundations committed to dramatically improving the capacity and performance of the U.S. education system.

Gandal previously served as a senior advisor to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan where he led a new division responsible for providing policy and implementation support to states. He also served as a member of the Secretary’s Advisory Team that met regularly with the Secretary to take stock of progress and establish priorities for the Department of Education. Before joining the Department of Education, Gandal was executive vice president of Achieve, the national organization

26 Annual Policy Forum 2016 » Speakers

SPEAKErS

formed by governors and business leaders to help states raise educational standards. Before joining Achieve, Gandal was assistant director for educational issues at the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Gandal also held a leadership position with the Educational Excellence Network, an education policy think tank founded by Checker Finn.

Gandal, a graduate of the Maryland public school system, earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut.

Jahana Hayes2016 National Teacher of the year

Jahana’s route to teaching began as a student. The first in her family to graduate from college, she was inspired by her teachers who urged her to dream bigger and who believed that she was college material, despite a challenging upbringing.

A veteran history teacher at John F. Kennedy High School in Waterbury, Connecticut, Jahana also sees herself as an advisor, counselor, confidant and protector. She endeavors to fill the role her own teachers had in her life, guiding students to be their best selves and encouraging them to take ownership of their communities.

“As a teacher, I strive to facilitate learning in a way that engages students by connecting on a personal level and stimulating academic growth, while simultaneously producing contentious and productive members of society,” she says.

For Jahana, being a teacher is a privilege and an opportunity to transform lives and foster a sense of social responsibility in the next generation. As the 2016 National Teacher of the Year and a spokesperson for the teaching profession, Jahana hopes to motivate more people to become educators and continue to carry out this important work.

Jahana has taught for the past 12 years, 10 of which have been in her current role. She earned an Associate’s degree from Naugatuck Valley Community College, a Bachelor of Science from Southern Connecticut State University, a Master of Arts from Saint Joseph University and a certification from the University of Bridgeport.

Dr. Dorsey HopsonSuperintendent, Shelby County Schools, Tennessee

Dorsey E. Hopson, II serves as the Superintendent of the Shelby County Schools, one of the nation’s largest school districts. Hopson received his Bachelors of Arts (with honors) from the University of Memphis. He then attended Georgia State University College of Law where he served as an associate editor of the GSU Law Review. Hopson graduated Magna Cum Laude from Georgia State University in 1998 and ranked 12th in his graduating class.

Hopson began his legal career at a prominent Atlanta based law firm. He represented corporate and government clients across the country in employment matters. Hopson left the firm to serve as Associate General Counsel for the Atlanta Public Schools. There, Hopson represented the Atlanta Public Schools in employment matters and served as the District’s Ethics Officer. Hopson later served as General Counsel for the Clayton County School System. During his time as counsel for Atlanta Public Schools and Clayton County Schools Hopson learned key strategies related to teacher effectiveness. He also gained valuable insight about the political and operational aspects of urban school districts.

In April 2008, the Board of Education for the Memphis City Schools named Hopson as its General Counsel. As General Counsel, Hopson tried cases, managed a team of attorneys and provided legal and strategic advice to the District’s leadership team. Under his leadership, Memphis City Schools was awarded a $57.4 million dollar judgment against the City of Memphis in a landmark case involving educational funding. In 2010, the Memphis City Schools surrendered its Charter and triggered the largest school merger in history. Hopson worked with state and local officials and provided strategic advice and counsel to the Shelby County School Board of Education throughout the merger process.

Annual Policy Forum 2016 » Speakers 27

SPEAKErS

In 2013 the Shelby County Board of Education named Hopson the first Superintendent of the newly merged Shelby County Schools. Hopson has a deep passion for education and the law. He strongly believes that every child can learn and that education is the great equalizer. He also believes that the key to student achievement is to ensure that every classroom has an effective teacher and every school has an effective leader. Hopson is a member of various civic and community organizations and relishes the opportunity to lead and serve his community.

Christina Jusino6th grade science teacher, Spark Academy and Teach PLUS Fellow

Christina Jusino (B.A., M.Ed.) teaches 6th grade Science at Spark Academy in Lawrence, MA. As a first-generation college graduate, she has demonstrated significant personal and academic perseverance. After graduating from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, she decided to use her experience to empower youth by becoming a 2011 Greater Boston Teach For America Corps Member. Six years later, Christina still teaches in her placement district (Lawrence) and earned the distinction of Advanced Educator which allows her to take on more leadership roles within her school. She believes that Teacher Leadership is a key factor in retaining highly effective teachers which ultimately leads to greater student outcomes.

Dr. John B. King, Jr.U.S. Secretary of Education, U.S. Department of Education

Dr. John B. King, Jr. is the secretary of education, a position he assumed upon Senate confirmation on March 14, 2016. In tapping him to lead the U.S. Department of Education, President Obama called Dr. King “an exceptionally talented educator,” citing his commitment to “preparing every child for success” and his lifelong dedication to education as a teacher, principal, and leader of schools and school systems. As secretary, Dr. King brings a continued commitment to advancing excellence and equity for every student, supporting educators and elevating the teaching profession, and improving college affordability and completion rates.

Before becoming secretary, Dr. King served since January 2015 at the Department as principal senior advisor. In that role, he carried out the duties of the deputy secretary, overseeing all preschool-through-12th-grade education policies, programs, and strategic initiatives, as well as the operations of the Department. Dr. King carried out this work with a focus on increasing equity, improving educational outcomes for all students, and closing achievement gaps through implementation of key administration priorities in areas including early learning, elementary and secondary education, special education, English language acquisition, and innovation.

In performing the duties of the deputy secretary, Dr. King also oversaw the Department’s work leading cross-agency collaboration for President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper task force, which seeks to address persistent opportunity gaps faced by boys and young men of color, and to ensure that all young people are able to reach their full potential.

Prior to his arrival at the Department, Dr. King served since 2011 as the commissioner of education for the state of New York. In that role, he served as chief executive officer of the State Education Department and as president of the University of the State of New York, overseeing the state’s elementary and secondary schools (serving 3.1 million students), public, independent and proprietary colleges and universities, libraries, museums, and numerous other educational institutions. Dr. King was one of the nation’s youngest state education leaders at the time of his appointment and the first African-American and Puerto Rican to serve as New York State education commissioner.

28 Annual Policy Forum 2016 » Speakers

SPEAKErS

Dr. Carlas McCauleyDirector, Center on School Turnaround, West Ed

Carlas L. McCauley is the Director for WestEd’s Center on School Turnaround. The Center on School Turnaround is part of a federal network of Regional Comprehensive Centers, serving individual states or clusters of states, and seven national Content Centers. The Comprehensive Centers are charged with building the capacity of state educational agencies to assist districts and schools in meeting student achievement goals. Prior to joining WestEd, McCauley worked at the U.S. Department of Education where he oversaw the administration of the federal School Improvement Grants (SIG) Program. He helped to administer approximately $5 billion dedicated to improving low-performing schools across the country. McCauley is nationally recognized for his work developing, supporting, and monitoring SIG and other education improvement initiatives within the U.S. Department of Education.

Dr. David TillyDeputy Director, iowa Department of Education

David Tilly is the Deputy Director at the Iowa Department of Education. He worked previously as an administrator at Heartland Area Education Agency in central Iowa. Prior to joining Heartland AEA, Dr. Tilly was a consultant for assessment, research and innovation at the Iowa Department of Education. David is a school psychologist by training. He has worked as a practicing psychologist, a University trainer at Iowa State University, a state department of education consultant and an administrator. He works regularly with states, school districts, federal offices and national organizations on improving educational results for all children. He is also the author or coauthor of 40 published journal articles, book chapters or books, mostly focused on education innovation, systems change and improving educational results.

Dr. Nancy ZimpherChancellor of State University of New york (SUNy) and Chair, National Association of System heads (NASh) Board of Directors

In 2009 Nancy L. Zimpher became the 12th Chancellor of The State University of New York, the nation’s largest comprehensive system of higher education, where she has implemented sweeping reforms that ensure SUNY can provide broad access to higher education while maximizing its impact as an engine of economic revitalization across the state.

Dr. Zimpher is active in numerous national education organizations, and is a renowned leader in the areas of teacher preparation, urban education, and university-community engagement. In addition to her role at SUNY, she is chair of the Board of Governors of the New York Academy of Sciences and the National Association of System Heads. From 2005–2011 she led the Coalition of Urban Serving Universities, and from 2012–2013 she was chair of CEOs for Cities. As co-founder of StriveTogether, Zimpher has been instrumental in creating a national network of innovative partnerships that address challenges across the education pipeline.

Prior to coming to SUNY, Dr. Zimpher served as president of the University of Cincinnati, chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and executive dean of the Professional Colleges and dean of the College of Education at The Ohio State University.


iNviTED PArTiCiPANTS

ANTHONY ALPERTExecutive DirectorSmarter Balanced10945 Le Conte Ave., Suite 1400Los Angeles, CA [email protected]

JEREMY ANDERSONPresidentEducation Commission of the States700 Broadway, Suite 810Denver, CO [email protected]

GiuSEPPE BASiLiChief Revenue OfficerBright Bytes490 2nd St. Ste. 302San Francisco, CA [email protected]

KATHERiNE BASSETTExecutive DirectorNational Network of State Teachers of the Year1201 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 300Washington, DC [email protected]

iLENE BERMANSenior AssociateAnnie E. Casey Foundation701 St. Paul StreetBaltimore, MD [email protected]

JARED BiLLiNGS Program Director, Education Division National Governors Association444 N Capitol Street, NW, Ste. 267Washington, DC [email protected]

MARY BROWNELLDirector, CEEDAR CenterUniversity of FloridaCEEDAR CenterP O Box 117050/1403 Norman HallGainesville, FL [email protected]

BETH COCuZZADirectorStudent Achievement Partners75 Broad Street26th FloorNew York, NY [email protected]

MiCHAEL COHENPresidentAchieve, Inc1400 16th St. NW, Suite 510Washington, DC [email protected]

MAx COHENGovernance, Culture and Leadership AdvisorLRN745 5th Avenue, 8th FloorNew York City, NY [email protected]

LiZA CORDEiROSenior Marketing AdvisorCNA Institute for Public Research3003 Washington BoulevardArlington, VA [email protected]

DiANE DEBACKERDirector Education ResearchRTI International2102 SW Village Hall RoadTopeka, KS [email protected]

DALE ERQuiAGAPresident and CEOCommunities in Schools National Office2345 Crystal DriveArlington, VA [email protected]

JAMiE FASTEAuDirector of Policy, EducationEmerson Collective278 University Ave #300Palo Alto, CA [email protected]



JOHN FiSCHERSenior Program OfficerBill and Melinda Gates Foundation1300 I St., NW, Suite 200 East Washington, DC [email protected]

LiAM GOLDRiCKDirector of PolicyNew Teacher Center 110 Cooper St, Suite 500Santa Cruz, CA [email protected]

GLEN HARVEYChief Executive OfficerWestEd730 Harrison StreetSan Francisco, CA [email protected]

KATHY HuRLEYCEO and Co-FounderGirls Thinking Global3521 North Military RoadArlington, VA [email protected]

SuZANNE iMMERMANConsultantVerizon Foundation14 N Chatsworth Ave., 2BLarchmont, NY [email protected]

STACEY JORDANVice President and Director, EducationCNA Institute for Public Research3003 Washington BoulevardAlexandria, VA [email protected]

RAE ANN KNOPFDeputy Director, U.S. Policy Advocacy & CommunicationsBill and Melinda Gates Foundation1300 I St., NWWashington, DC [email protected]

PAiGE KOWALSKiDirector, State Policy and AdvocacyData Quality Campaign1250 H St., NW, Suite 825Washington, DC [email protected]

BETHANY LiTTLEPrincipalEducation Counsel LLC101 Constitution Avenue NW, Suite 900Washington, DC [email protected]

SCOTT MARiONExecutive DirectorCenter for Assessment31 Mount Vernon St.Dover, NH [email protected]

KATHLEEN MATHERSDirectorEducation Strategy Group486 Kingswood Ln NWAtlanta, GA [email protected]

JuLiE MiKuTA Senior Director, EducationCharles & Lynn Schusterman Family Foundation625 Market StreetSuite 700San Francisco, CA [email protected]

ANGELA MiNNiCiVice President, Policy, Practice & Systems ChangeAmerican Institutes for Research1000 Thomas Jefferson St., NWWashington, DC [email protected]

LESLEY MuLDOONChief of StaffPartnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers1747 Pennsylvania Ave., NWSixth Floor Washington, DC [email protected]



STEVEN PAiNEEducational Innovation LeaderBright Bytes490 2nd Street Suite 302San Francisco, CA [email protected]

SCOTT PALMERManaging PartnerEducation Counsel LLC101 Constitution Avenue, NW, Suite 900Washington, DC [email protected]

SuSAN PATRiCKPresident and CEOInternational Association for K12 Online Learning4108 Park AvenueRichmond, VA [email protected]

GAViN PAYNEPrincipalGPC Advisors LLCP.O. Box 1049Davis, CA [email protected]

DENiSE PEARSONPrincipal Policy AnalystState Higher Education Executive Officers3035 Center Green DriveSuite 100Boulder, CO [email protected]

GEORGE PERNSTEiNER PresidentState Higher Education Executive Officers3035 Center Green DriveSuite 100Boulder, CO [email protected]

ANDY PLATTNERPresidentPlattner Communications1573 Millersville RoadMillersville, MD [email protected]

JuLiA RAFAL-BAERChief Operating OfficerChiefs for Change1455 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Ste. 400-311Washington, DC [email protected]

RYAN REYNASenior AssociateEducation Strategy Group42 Kennedy StAlexandria, VA [email protected]

LiZZETTE REYNOLDS Vice President of PolicyFoundation for Excellence in EducationP.O. Box 10691 Tallahassee, FL [email protected]

DAViD ROSS Chief Executive Officer Partnership for 21st Century Skills1 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 700Washington, DC [email protected]

JON SCHNuRExecutive ChairmanAmerica Achieves1460 Broadway 8th FloorNew York, NY [email protected]

CHRiSTOPHER SHEARERProgram Officer, EducationWilliam & Flora Hewlett Foundation2121 Sand Hill RoadMenlo Park, CA [email protected]

LAuRA SLOVERCEOPartnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers1747 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, 6th FloorWashington, DC [email protected]



JODY SPiROSenior OfficerWallace Foundation5 Penn Plz., 7th Fl.New York, NY [email protected]

STEVE VOYTEKGovernment Relations Manager Advance CTE8484 Georgia AveSuite 320Silver Spring, MD [email protected]

Bi VuONGDirector, Proving GroundCEPR @ Harvard University50 Church Street4th FloorCambridge, MA [email protected]

ROSS WiENERVice President & Executive Director, Education and Society ProgramThe Aspen InstititueOne Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 700Washington, DC [email protected]

REBECCA WOLFEDirector, Students at the CenterJobs for the Future88 Broad Street, 8th FloorBoston, MA [email protected]

DAViD YOuNGCEOVIF International EducationP.O. Box 3566Chapel Hill, NC [email protected]


PArTNErS

DiANE BAiLEYVice PresidentEducational Testing Service660 Rosedale RdPrinceton, NJ [email protected]

CASSi BARKER-CARRPrincipal Strategist, K-12 EngagementACT, Inc500 ACT DriveIowa City, IA [email protected]

CATHERiNE BARBOuR Principal Technical Assistance ConsultantAmerican Institutes for Research1000 Thomas Jefferson St. NWWashington, DC [email protected]

BRAD BAuMGARTNERExecutive Vice President, Sales and Marketing Questar Assessment5550 Upper 147th Street Apple Valley , MN [email protected]

KEN BERGMANChief Legal OfficerAdvancED9115 Westside PkwyAlpharetta, GA [email protected]

MARTiN BORGPresident and CEOMeasured Progress100 Education WayDover, NH [email protected]

LiSA BRADY GiLLSenior Director, Public AffairsACT, IncOne DuPont Circle, NW, Suite 220Washington, DC [email protected]

JACOB BRuNOAssociate Director of Strategic PartnershipsCorwin Press24555 Teller RoadThousand Oaks, CA [email protected]

DAViD BYERSr Group Manager, WW Education AdvocacyApple901 15th Street, NW, Suite 1000Washington, DC [email protected]

KEViN CAPiTANiPresident, North AmericaPearson Inc.1330 Ave. of the Americas, 7th FloorNew York, NY [email protected]

DAViD DiMMETTSenior Vice President and Chief Engagement OfficerProject Lead The Way3939 Priority Way South Drive, Suite 400Indianapolis, IN [email protected]

HOLLY GARNERDirector, SalesPacific Metrics1 Lower Ragsdale-Drive, Building 1, Suite 150Monterey, CA [email protected]

KELLY GOODRiCHVice President for Policy and AdvocacyNorthwest Evaluation Association121 NW Everett StreetPortland, OR [email protected]

LENORA GREENExecutive Director, Center for Advocacy and PhilanthropyEducational Testing Service660 Rosedale RdPrinceton, NJ [email protected]

STEVE GuTTENTAGPresidentConnections Education8830 Standford Blvd., Suite 200Columbia, MD [email protected]

MiSCHELLE HANDLEYNational Director of Strategic PartnershipsNational Center for Education and the Economy2121 K Street, Suite 700Washington, DC [email protected]

JOHN HuSSEYChief Strategy OfficerBattelle for Kids1160 Dublin Road, Suite 500Columbus, OH [email protected]

TODD HuSTONSenior Vice PresidentCollege Board250 Vesey St.New York, NY [email protected]


PArTNErS

KiMBERLEY KRAFTState & Government PartnershipsNorthwest Evaluation Association9921 Tree Tops Lake RoadTampa, FL [email protected]

J.T. LAWRENCEExecutive DirectorEducational Testing Service21080 East Jefferson AvenueAurora, CO [email protected]

MARCuS LiNGENFELTERSenior Vice President, State & Federal ProgramsNational Math Science Initiative8350 N Central Expy Ste M-2200Dallas, TX [email protected]

THOMAS LuNASenior Vice President and Chief Policy OfficerProject Lead The Way3613 Ringneck DriveNampa, ID [email protected]

ED MCKiNNEYAdvisorMeasurement Incorporated420 Courtlea Oaks BlvdWinter Garden, FL [email protected]

MARK MCNiELDirector, Strategic Business Initiatives Measured Progress100 Education WayDover, NH [email protected]

CHuCK MELLEYVice President, U.S. Government RelationsPearson Inc.1919 M Street, NWWashington, DC [email protected]

KATRiNA MiLLEREducation Industry ConsultantSAS Institute, Inc.100 SAS Campus DriveCary, NC [email protected]

ALAN MORGANState AdviserRenaissance Learning11024 Montgomery NE, #299Albuquerque, NM [email protected]

HEATH MORRiSONSenior Vice President, Education Policy & Government AffairsMcGraw-Hill EducationP.O. Box 182604Columbus, OH [email protected]

JESSE MOYERDirector of State Advocacy and ResearchKnowledgeWorks1 W 4th Street, Suite 200Cincinnati, OH [email protected]

JOHN OSWALDVice President and COOEducational Testing Service10999 Interstate Highway 10 - West, Suite 400San Antonio, TX [email protected] JEFF PETERSONVP, Government RelationsQuestar Assessment, Inc.5550 Upper 147th Street WestMinneapolis, MN [email protected]

ROLANDO RODRiGuEZVP, National AccountsScholastic524 Broadway, 9th FloorNew York, NY [email protected]

BETSY RuZZiVice PresidentNational Center for Education and the Economy2121 K Street, NW, Suite 700Washington, DC [email protected]

KiMBERLY SCARDiNOEducation AdvocacyApple1 Infinite LoopCupertino, CA [email protected]

HENRY SCHERiCHPresidentMeasurement Incorporated423 Morris StreetDurham, NC [email protected]

ANNE SCHiANOSVP, Government RelationsMetaMetrics, Inc.1000 Park Forty Plaza Drive, St. 120Durham, NC [email protected]


PArTNErS

NANCY SEGALExecutive Director of Government and External RelationsEducational Testing Service1800 K St. NW, Ste. 900Washington, DC [email protected]

STACY SKELLYDirector, Media RelationsPearson Inc.1919 M Street, NW, Suite 600Washington, DC [email protected]

MALBERT SMiTHPresident and CEOMetaMetrics, Inc.1000 Park Forty Plaza Drive St. 120Durham, NC [email protected]

DAViD STEVENSONExecutive Vice PresidentAmplify55 Washington Street, 9th FloorBrooklyn, NY [email protected]

ROBERT STONEHiLLManaging DirectorAmerican Institutes for Research1000 Thomas Jefferson St., NWWashington, DC [email protected]

SuSAN THERRiAuLTPrincipal ResearcherAmerican Institutes for Research201 Jones RoadWaltham, MA [email protected]

MiCHAEL WARDConsultant for RenaissanceRenaissance Learning4017 English Laurel LaneRaleigh, NC [email protected]

DAVE WESTExecutive Director - SalesCorwin Press24555 Teller RoadThousand Oaks, CA [email protected]

BOB WHELANPresident, AssessmentPearson Inc.5601 Green Valley DriveBloomington, MN [email protected]

SANDRA WiESESenior Vice PresidentData Recognition Corporation13490 Bass Lake RoadMaple Grove, MN [email protected]

MATT WiLLiAMSVice President, Policy and Advocacy KnowledgeWorks1 W 4th Street, Suite 200Cincinnati, OH [email protected]

LuCi WiLLiTSAssociate Vice President, PolicyCurriculum Associates522 S. Winthrop WayBoise, ID [email protected]

PATRiCiA WRiGHTSenior State AdvisorMetaMetrics, Inc.12802 Rivers Bend RoadChester, VA [email protected]

NADJA YOuNGSenior ManagerEducationSAS Institute, Inc.100 SAS Campus DriveCary, NC 27513-2414

RiCHARD ZEiGERConsultantTexas [email protected]


CONSULTANTS

DAViD DRiSCOLLCCSSO Leadership Academy ConsultantDriscoll Consulting23 Cranmore LaneMelrose, MA [email protected]

HEiDi GuARiNOSenior ConsultantEducation First Consulting4 Carpenter St.Salem, MA [email protected]

TERRY HOLLiDAYSenior AdvisorCouncil of Chief State School Officers21 Fern Haven LaneFairview, NC [email protected]

SHEARA KRVARiCPartnerFederal Education Group, LLC1455 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Suite 400Washington, DC [email protected]

CHRiS NiCASTROCCSSO Leadership Academy ConsultantLee Consulting Group12318 Courtyard Lake DriveSt. Louis, MO [email protected]

ALiSSA PELTZMANAdvisorEducation Strategy Group6112 Maiden LaneBethesda, MD [email protected]

iLA DESHMuKH TOWERY Senior Consultant Education FirstP.O. Box 22871Seattle, WA [email protected]

ANAND VAiSHNAVPrincipalEducation FirstP.O. Box 22871Seattle, WA [email protected]

JENNiFER VRANEKFounding PartnerEducation First ConsultingP.O. Box 22871Seattle, WA [email protected]

Annual Policy Forum 2016 » Partners and Sponsors 37

COrPOrATE PArTNErS

CCSSO welcomes the opportunity to work with business partners that help the Council fulfill its mission, which is to ensure that all students participating in our public education system -- regardless of background -- graduate prepared for college, careers, and life. Prospective and current business partners are subject to eligibility criteria to ensure that partner organizations are aligned in their commitment to student achievement, value the trusted environment CCSSO fosters through its activities, and respect that the primary function of the state education agency at all times is to serve the best interests of its students, schools and public. CCSSO strives to create a collegial, collaborative community through its events and programs allowing our members and partners to network with peers, share expertise and best practices, and have honest dialogue on key educational policy issues. To ensure that all member and partner interactions are structured to protect the integrity of the Council and its members, support the CCSSO’s priorities, and ultimately strengthen the capacity of state education agencies, partner organizations must refrain from engaging in solicitous, development, or lobbying activities at CCSSO events.

Level 1 Partners

The world’s leader in accreditation and school improvement, AdvancED believes that students must be prepared to succeed in a constantly-evolving and diverse world and that educational institutions have a deep responsibility to deliver quality education to students from all walks of life.

We have been experts in accreditation and school improvement since 1895, and bring this 100+ years of experience and expertise through three US-based accreditation agencies - the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC), and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI).

The AdvancED Accreditation Process, a protocol embraced around the world, is a clear and comprehensive program of evaluation and external review, supported by research-based standards, and dedicated to helping schools, school systems, and education providers continuously improve.

AdvancED is committed to sharing the knowledge and practice generated by schools throughout its global network to inform and influence practice on issues related to education quality.

Visit www.advanc-ed.org to learn more about AdvancED.

Established in 1946, with headquarters in Washington, D.C., the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance both domestically and internationally in the areas of health, education and workforce productivity. Well-known for its groundbreaking work in student testing and

performance assessment, AIR is a global leader in P-20 education research, evaluation, technical assistance, and policy. For more information, visit http://www.air.org.

Curriculum Associates is a rapidly growing education company committed to making classrooms better places for teachers and students. We believe that all children have the chance to succeed, and this drives the decisions we make every day. Our research-based, award-winning products, including cloud-based i-Ready®, provide teachers and administrators with flexible resources

that deliver meaningful assessments and data-driven, differentiated instruction for children. We serve millions of students with i-Ready® (adaptive diagnostic, online instruction, and practice apps for math and reading); Ready® (standards-based instruction build from scratch for the Common Core); BRIGANCE® (assessment and instruction for special education, early childhood, and Head Start); and other programs because of our laser focus on educators’ needs over our own bottom line and a belief that thoughtful and continuous innovation leads to a positive impact on classrooms and measureable growth for students.

38 Annual Policy Forum 2016 » Partners and Sponsors

COrPOrATE PArTNErS

At nonprofit ETS our mission is to advance quality and equity in education for all people worldwide. We help teachers teach, students learn, and parents measure the educational progress of their children. We do this by

• Listening to educators, parents, and critics • Learning what students and their institutions need • Leading in the development of new and innovative products and services

ETS customizes solutions to meet the need for teacher professional development produ cts and services, classroom and end-of-course assessments, and research-based teaching and learning tools. Founded in 1947, ETS today develops, administers and scores more than 24 million tests annually in more than 180 countries, at over 9,000 locations worldwide.

McGraw-Hill Education, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, is a leading global provider of instructional content, assessments, and teaching and learning solutions to help meet the needs and challenges of today’s students, educators, and professionals. Our technical innovations are changing the way

people learn — and continue to learn — with e-books, online learning platforms and programs, and customized course and professional development websites. McGraw-Hill’s products reach beyond the classroom to prepare students for success in a rapidly changing global environment and a lifetime of learning.

US Partners in Learning Microsoft believes that every student has the right to a great education. Our mission is simple – albeit grand: to help students and educators throughout the world realize their full potential. We strive to achieve this mission through public/private partnerships designed to help.

• Empower educators to engage students: We want to work with you to help teachers reach, motivate and ensure the success of every student.

• Build community: We want to work with you to provide programs and services bringing parents, teachers, students and schools together.

• Provide strong infrastructure: Technology needs to work seamlessly and cost effectively in schools. Our dependable, secure and flexible products are affordable, easy to use and work with what you use today and tomorrow.

Our commitment to education spans almost three decades. It is central to our business and in our work in communities in the US and around the world.

NWEA is a global not-for-profit educational services organization headquartered in Portland, Oregon. NWEA partners with schools, districts, state departments of education and educational organizations worldwide to provide computer-based assessment solutions, professional development and research services.

• NWEA’s Measures of Academic Progress® (MAP®) adaptive assessments leverage more than 30 years of research into student growth that informs decision making at every level, from classrooms to boardrooms.

• NWEA’s research center, The Kingsbury Center at NWEA, uses the Growth Research DatabaseTM to drive original research with universities, foundations and policymakers.

Learn more at nwea.org.


COrPOrATE PArTNErS

Pearson is the world’s leading learning company, but we define our success not by our size but by the outcomes we help make possible. We serve states, districts, schools and colleges as they implement policies and practices to:

• Raise student achievement and prepare every student for college and careers

• Create world-class experiences that make learning more personalized, connected and accessible for all students

• Find more affordable ways to bring effective innovations in teaching and learning to scale

At Pearson, our sole mission is to help people make progress in their lives through learning.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the nation’s leading provider of K-12 science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs. PLTW’s world-class, activity-, project-, and problem-based curriculum and high-quality teacher professional development model, combined with an

engaged network of educators and corporate partners, help students develop the skills needed to succeed in our global economy. More than 8,000 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia currently offer PLTW courses to their students. For more information, visit www.pltw.org.

Some educators see data as facts and figures. But it’s more than that. It’s the lifeblood of your schools. It contains history. And it can tell you something about the future. SAS helps you make sense of the data. As the leader in education analytics software and services, SAS transforms your data into

insights that give you a fresh perspective on your students, programs and schools. You can identify what’s working. Fix what isn’t. And discover new opportunities. Please visit http://www.sas.com/en_us/industry/k-12-education.html

Scholastic is the most trusted name in learning with a brand that is synonymous with quality. Scholastic Education provides technology solutions and

supplemental programs that support student achievement in PreK-12. Grounded in scientific research, Scholastic Education develops technology programs and services that include intervention, instruction, universal screening, assessment, data management and professional development. Scholastic Achievement Partners-the professional services arm of Scholastic Education-brings together the International Center for Leadership in Education, Math Solutions, and Scholastic’s Implementation Services team to offer a full range of professional services in human capital development across content areas, comprehensive school improvement, and program implementation.


COrPOrATE PArTNErS

LEvEL ii PArTNErS

ACT is an independent, not-for-profit organization that provides a broad array of assessment, research, information, and program management solutions in the areas of education and workforce development.

ACT’s Mission is Helping people achieve education and workplace success. Each year, ACT serves millions of people in high schools, colleges, professional associations, businesses, and government agencies-nationally and internationally. ACT has offices across the United States and throughout the world.

Amplify is dedicated to reimagining K-12 education by creating digital products and services that empower students, teachers and parents with new curricular experiences, instructional tools, and extended learning opportunities. We are focused on transforming

teaching and learning by creating and scaling digital innovations in three areas: insight, learning, and access.

Apple Inc. Apple ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Today, Apple continues to lead the industry in innovation with its award-

winning desktop and notebook computers, OS X operating system, and iLife and professional applications. Apple is also spearheading the digital music revolution with its iPod portable music players and iTunes online music store.

Battelle for Kids is a national, not-for-profit organization that provides counsel and solutions to advance the development of human capital systems, the use of strategic measures, practices for improving educator effectiveness, and communication with all stakeholders.

We believe that focusing on the right people, practices, measures, and messages is the key to educational excellence.

The College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of more than 5,900 of the world’s

leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success - including the SAT® and the Advanced Placement Program®. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators and schools.


COrPOrATE PArTNErS

Corwin, a SAGE company, is a leading publisher of professional development books for PreK-12 educators and an innovative provider of workshops, seminars, and online training resources. We believe that every child deserves an excellent education and that we have a responsibility to contribute to that excellence by enhancing professional practice. We partner with authors, educators, and academics to bring the latest research and proven methods to schools through practical, hands-on materials. Established in 1990 as an independent company, Corwin continues to carry out our mission of Helping Educators Do Their Work Better in everything we do.

Founded in 1978, Data Recognition Corporation (DRC) delivers full-service, customized solutions for statewide assessment programs, including summative, interim/benchmark and formative assessments. The company’s DRC INSIGHT™ Online Learning System is a comprehensive assessment and reporting system that offers teachers a robust set of tools designed to assess performance, monitor growth and enhance instruction so that they can individually support students on their path of learning. For more information, visit www.datarecognitioncorp.com

Google for Education: A solution built for learning and designed for the classroom that includes easy-to-manage, affordable devices like Chromebooks, productivity tools like

Google Apps for Education with Classroom, and limitless educational content in Google Play for Education. Together these tools help teachers inspire curiosity, while students learn better together, wherever they are.

IBM Global Education collaborates with schools, districts and state departments of education to create innovative business and technology solutions to enable continuous improvement in education. We help to improve student success, teacher effectiveness and institutional performance through a depth of experience in consulting services,

analytics, infrastructure and business partner offerings. IBM provides our education clients with deep business process and industry expertise, using innovation to identify, create and deliver value faster. We draw on the full breadth and depth of IBM capabilities to help you implement solutions designed to deliver sustainable improvement.

KnowledgeWorks is a social enterprise focused on ensuring that every student experiences meaningful personalized learning that allows him or her to thrive in college, career and civic life. By offering a portfolio of innovative education approaches and advancing aligned policies, KnowledgeWorks seeks to activate

and develop the capacity of communities and educators to build and sustain vibrant learning ecosystems that allow each student to thrive. Our portfolio includes, EDWorks and StriveTogether. http://knowledgeworks.org

Not-for-profit, all for kids. Customized, integrated, full-service assessment, professional development, and instructional support for state and local educators. It’s all about student learning. Period.


COrPOrATE PArTNErS

Founded in 1980, Measurement Incorporated is an employee-owned company that provides a complete range of testing services, assessment technologies, technical assistance, and program evaluation services under contract to state and local education

agencies and professional associations. Headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, the company specializes in the development, administration, scoring, analysis, and reporting of large-scale, high-stakes testing programs.

A pioneer in the field of performance assessment, the company has established a distinctive competency in constructed response scoring using both highly-trained professionals and advanced artificial intelligence technology. MI’s corporate philosophy is built on an uncommon commitment to client satisfaction and its dedication to the overarching goal of Excellence in Assessment.

MetaMetrics, Inc., a privately held educational measurement company, develops scientifically based measures of student achievement that link assessment with instruction, foster better educational practices and improve learning by matching students with materials that meet and challenge their abilities. The company’s team of psychometricians developed the widely adopted Lexile Framework for Reading (www.Lexile.com); El Sistema Lexile para Leer, the Spanish-language version of the Lexile Framework; The Quantile Framework for Mathematics (www.Quantiles.com); and The Lexile Framework

for Writing. In addition to licensing Lexile and Quantile measures to state departments of education, testing and instructional companies, and publishers, MetaMetrics delivers professional development, resource measurement and customized consulting services. For more information, visit www.MetaMetricsInc.com.

The National Institute for School Leadership (NISL) is the leading source for research-based and research-proven support for K-12 school leaders. Eight Chief State School Officers have selected NISL as a key strategy for raising student achievement within their states. NISL’s capacity-building train-the-trainer methodology allows states and districts to improve instructional leadership at scale and at low cost. States have leveraged NISL’s programs to develop novice leaders, create school turn-around artists, and impact instructional leadership statewide. Multiple third-party research studies have

shown that NISL programs not only improve the effectiveness of school leaders, but also strengthen instruction and raise student achievement as measured on state tests.

We invite you to review the research studies and welcome the opportunity to introduce you to other Chief State School Officers to learn about their experience implementing our programs. To do so, and to learn how you can help raise student achievement by creating more effective school leaders, please visit NISL.org, call us at 913.909.1997 or email us at [email protected].

Pacific Metrics is a research-based technology company specializing in education assessment. State departments of education, government agencies, and commercial businesses entrust Pacific Metrics to help them develop and implement their testing programs. Our portfolio of

products and services includes advanced online testing systems, world-class psychometric research, automated scoring and reporting, and technologically advanced content development.


COrPOrATE PArTNErS

We are committed to helping our clients succeed. We’re the team who transforms clients into partners and assignments into successful programs. Our innovative, thoughtful solutions and high-quality, comprehensive service are based on industry-accepted best practices and the highest standards of assessment validity, efficiency, and productivity.

Questar Assessment Inc. is a K–12 assessment solutions provider focused on building a bridge between learning and accountability. We take a fresh and innovative approach to meaningful assessment design, delivery, scoring, analysis, and reporting. And we are reimagining how assessments can empower educators by giving them the insights they need to improve instruction and fully prepare students for college or career. Our high-quality, reliable assessment products and services are easily scaled and tailored to meet the specific needs

of states and districts at an unprecedented value. Educators trust our high-performing teams and dependable technology to minimize risks and ensure success for states, districts, schools, and students. Questar is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota and can be reached at questarai.com or 800-800-2598.

Renaissance Learning, Inc. is a leading provider of technology-based school improvement and student assessment programs for K12 schools. Adopted by more than 70,000 schools, Renaissance Learning’s tools provide daily formative assessment and periodic progress-monitoring technology to enhance core curriculum, support differentiated

instruction, and personalize practice in reading, writing and math. Renaissance Learning products and school improvement programs help educators make the practice component of their existing curriculum more effective by providing tools to personalize practice and easily manage the daily activities for students of all levels. As a result, teachers using Renaissance Learning products and programs accelerate learning, get more satisfaction from teaching, and help students achieve higher test scores on state and national tests. Renaissance Learning has seven U.S. locations and subsidiaries in Canada and the United Kingdom.

As a leader in developing graphing handhelds, Texas Instruments Educational and Productivity Solutions, a business of Texas Instruments, is an education technology leader. For nearly 20 years, we have worked closely with leading educators in the design of our educational technology, training programs and support materials that enrich the math and science classroom learning experience worldwide. Our mission-provide essential tools that help teachers create an engaging learning experience leading to higher student achievement in math and science. Our vision-all students inspired to achieve their potential and become the innovators of tomorrow.

Wilson Language Training is dedicated to providing educators with the resources they need to help their students become fluent, independent readers. Wilson is a provider of professional development and research-based reading and spelling curricula for all ages. Its multisensory, structured curricula-the Wilson Reading System®, Wilson Fundations®, Wilson Just Words®, and Wilson Fluency®-have proven highly effective. Wilson also brings to the task two decades of professional development courses and ongoing teacher support. Partnering with public and private schools, as well as clinics and adult education centers across the country, Wilson strives toward its ultimate goal: literacy for all.

44 Annual Policy Forum 2016 » Upcoming Meetings

UPCOMiNg MEETiNgS

Save the Dates - CCSSO Member Meetings:

Legislative ConferenceMarch 19-21, 2017 The Capital Hilton, Washington, D.C.

CCSSO’s Legislative Conference will focus on continued advocacy for strong state leadership in education, as well as rich

discussions on next steps for implementing the Every Student Succeeds Act to deliver on the promise of an excellent

education for all kids. The Legislative Conference is attended by chiefs, deputies, federal liaisons, communications directors,

and partners, and typically includes opportunities to meet with senior officials from Congress, the White House, and the U.S.

Department of Education.

Summer Leadership ConveningJuly 9-12, 2017 Holiday Inn Rapid City-Rushmore Plaza, Rapid City, SD

The Summer Leadership Convening is an annual opportunity for chiefs and their senior deputies to take part in rich discussion

focused on leadership and shared professional development as executives. This meeting will provide a forum for members and

partners to engage in shared learning in a more intimate setting than CCSSO’s other annual meetings.

Annual Policy ForumNovember 12-15, 2017 Renaissance Nashville, Nashville, TN

This meeting focuses on CCSSO’s policies and priorities as a membership, learning from other state leaders, and conducting

annual member business. The meeting is attended by chiefs, deputies, communications directors, federal liaisons business

partners, foundation partners, and key partners in the education community.

One Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 700Washington, DC 20001-1431

voice: 202.336.7000 | fax: 202.408.8072

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