The coming years present opportunities for education policy as state leadership on education policy becomes more central than ever to student outcomes. Written 60 years ago, Education Commission of the States’ founding document, The Compact for Education, stated, “If we are to grow as a nation, the states must rise to the challenge of giving to the American people the very best that is possible in our classrooms. Whatever serves that purpose, serves the future of our country.”
As the operating body of The Compact for Education, we are uniquely positioned to stimulate the kind of national collaboration within and between states that is crucial for the attainment of an excellent education for everyone. We embrace fostering an environment where states can learn from each other, adopt best practices, and work together to improve education nationwide.
In this spirit, we invite you to join the National Forum on Education Policy from July 9-11 at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City. Here, we’re bringing together the political, professional, philanthropic and practice leaders across the education spectrum from early care and education through postsecondary and the workforce to advance a United States for education.
To build bridges, with support from ECS staff, a bipartisan workgroup of our Steering Committee identified six Policy Priority Areas of national interest which will be key to stimulating cooperation and action toward identifying, developing and implementing public policy that addresses the current and future needs of education. To recognize the importance of these priority areas, our National Forum’s 30 concurrent sessions will present examples and insights into these topics. Also new this year, we’re offering three unique structures to accommodate different learning styles and preferences: State policy features, research sessions and workshops.
If I may be so bold, we have a vision of a nation united in pursuit of better education outcomes for our students and families. States, U.S. territories and the District of Columbia will be required to do more than ever before — and do it better. This cannot be done alone. Register by May 31 to reserve your spot and help set the stage for the future of education.
See you this summer!
