Summary - Stronger States, Stronger Outcomes: From Compliance to Capacity

(August 7, 2026) Updated agenda is now available - The updated agenda is now available on our Agenda page. Participants will engage in SEA-led sessions, peer learning opportunities, implementation-focused roundtables, and team planning activities designed to strengthen capacity and support action. Important note: Please finalize travel plans as soon as possible, as the hotel room block will now close on August 17 and availability is limited. For questions, contact CCNetworkConvenings@westat.com.

(July 20, 2026) Open registration is now closed - Due to the high level of interest in this event and limited remaining capacity, available seats are being prioritized for SEA attendees. For details on joining the registration waitlist, travel support, and more information on the upcoming convening, please visit our FAQ page.

Stronger States, Stronger Outcomes brings state educational agency (SEA) leaders together for two days of practical peer learning, focused discussion, and dedicated time to turn promising ideas into action.

The convening is designed around what SEA leaders value most: practical examples from other states, candid exchange with peers, and opportunities to consider how new approaches can strengthen their own agencies and improve outcomes for students.

Across the two days, participants will:

Learn from SEAs putting ideas into practice. Through the Capacity Showcase, SEA leaders will share strategies, lessons, and emerging approaches across five levers to build capacity: Learning Agendas, partnerships, evidence-based instruction, strategy and resource alignment, and technical assistance to local educational agencies.
Explore how Learning Agendas can strengthen SEA capacity. Hear from SEAs using Learning Agendas to connect strategic priorities with evidence, develop high-value learning questions, and build organizational capacity to turn evidence into action.
Examine federal flexibilities in practice. State and federal leaders will share examples of how SEAs are using Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) waivers, Ed-Flex, and other flexibilities to reduce administrative burden, align resources, and respond to state and local priorities.
Go deeper with peers. During the Consultative Exchange, participants can reconnect directly with presenters to ask targeted questions and discuss the practical details of implementation.
Turn learning into next steps. Learning in Action sessions will give SEA teams time to reflect together, connect insights to strategic priorities, and identify ideas they can take back to their agencies.

SEA teams are encouraged to coordinate their participation across the Capacity Showcase so they can learn across multiple topics and bring a broader range of ideas back to their agency.

The convening will also include opportunities for chief state school officers to engage directly with one another and with leaders from the U.S. Department of Education.

Come ready to ask questions, share what your SEA is learning, and learn from colleagues engaged in similar work across the country.