# States Leading States (SLS) Initiative ## States Leading States (SLS) Initiative CEPR's new initiative, States Leading States (SLS), will release reports on promising state and local policies—including cellphone bans and summer learning programs—aimed at driving state-level policy change across the country. [ Keep up with the latest news from SLS arrow\_circle\_right ](https://forms.gle/PZdtcRRcZSqcqZ7SA) ![State Chiefs](/sites/g/files/omnuum9881/files/styles/hwp_4_3__1540x1160/public/2025-10/Screenshot%202025-10-20%20at%2010.20.14%20AM.png?itok=b4Pb04DH) ## States Leading States: Accelerating Solutions in Education As NAEP scores continue to decline across the country, state leaders are taking bold action to answer a vital question: Which education policies truly deliver better outcomes for students, and how can we share those lessons nationwide? The Center for Education Policy Research (CEPR) at Harvard University has launched the States Leading States (SLS) Initiative to identify, evaluate, and accelerate proven, evidence-based strategies. By learning from and collaborating with partner states, SLS empowers policymakers, practitioners, and communities to create lasting change and help every student succeed. Funded by generous support from the Walton Foundation and Overdeck Family Foundation, this work will pave the way for effective implementation of enduring state policy change. ## Why States Leading States ### Accelerating What Works By spotlighting and sharing effective, evidence-based policies, SLS accelerates the spread of what works so that every state can help its students succeed. ### State Leadership SLS state partners represent geographic, political, and contextual diversity; each is piloting or scaling efforts with potential for national adoption. ### Actionable Insights SLS will begin publishing findings in 2026, empowering states to learn from one another, adapt to new challenges, and lead the way in creating lasting change. ## Thomas Kane, CEPR Faculty Director ![Tom Kane (round)](/sites/g/files/omnuum9881/files/styles/hwp_1_1__100x100_scale/public/2025-10/Round%20Headshots%20%281%29.png?itok=hq91Q1gH) “Whether it is early literacy, high quality instructional materials, or high school redesign, states are where education reform is happening. The U.S. educational system depends on innovative, evidence-based leadership from governors, state legislators, state boards of education and state education agencies. We will assemble a cohort of leaders committed to following the evidence.” ## Christina Grant, CEPR Executive Director ![Christina Grant (round)](/sites/g/files/omnuum9881/files/styles/hwp_1_1__100x100_scale/public/2025-10/Round%20Headshots.png?itok=xrQnU61p) "This work comes at a critical juncture as states are still grappling with the long-term impacts of the pandemic. We hope that this SLS initiative will lay a strong foundation for the next phase of transformative education work across the country.” ## Margaret Spellings, Former U.S. Secretary of Education, President and CEO of the Bipartisan Policy Center ![Margaret Spellings](/sites/g/files/omnuum9881/files/styles/hwp_1_1__100x100_scale/public/2025-10/Untitled%20design%20%28100%29.png?itok=9bP5FVZ8) “At a time when too many students are not reading at grade level or able to do basic math and the gaps between highest and lowest performing students are growing, we need to make student achievement a priority again and develop evidence-based strategies that help all students succeed. That’s why I’m pleased to see states coming together alongside the Center for Education Policy Research to take this challenge head on and launch States Leading States. Rigorous nonpartisan research and collaboration among states can have a tremendous impact on the development of new interventions and approaches that get results for students. “ ## John B. King Jr., Former U.S. Secretary of Education, Chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY) ![John B King Jr](/sites/g/files/omnuum9881/files/styles/hwp_1_1__100x100_scale/public/2025-10/Untitled%20design%20%2899%29.png?itok=OpqWvWaO) “When states pool their knowledge and work with trusted research partners to improve student outcomes, everyone benefits. States Leading States sets a powerful example for the country by fostering research and collaboration that can help schools everywhere give students the best chance to succeed.” ## Meet Our State Partners ### Alabama **Requiring every district to offer summer reading and math camps for struggling students.** *“Alabama’s students deserve every opportunity to build a solid foundation for the future. By participating in States Leading States, we are sharing our own successes and learning from other innovative states, helping us equip every student for lifelong success.”* Dr. Eric Mackey, Alabama State Superintendent of Education ![Alabama (red)](/sites/g/files/omnuum9881/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-10/Alabama%20%281%29.png?itok=R9zBieu5) ### Colorado **Providing comprehensive early literacy supports for elementary school students and educators.** *"Colorado is committed to continuous improvement and using strong evidence-based approaches to close learning gaps for every student. Through SLS, we're able to share our innovations and learn from other states to improve student outcomes across the nation."* Dr. Susana Córdova, Colorado Commissioner of Education ![Colorado (red)](/sites/g/files/omnuum9881/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-10/State%20Shapes%E2%80%94%20Accelerate%20Tutoring%20Toolkit%20%2811%29.png?itok=dAE_jY-O) ### Delaware **Testing policies on cell phone use, integrating artificial intelligence, and expanding career and technical education (CTE) pathways.** *“Delaware is focused on strategies that strengthen teaching and learning, support educators, and improve student outcomes. States Leading States provides the opportunity to learn from other states, apply evidence, and scale proven solutions that deliver results."* Cindy Marten, Delaware Secretary of Education ![Delaware](/sites/g/files/omnuum9881/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-10/Delaware%20%284%29.png?itok=ZibWluEd) ### Illinois **Implementing policies to manage cell phone use, strengthen continuous improvement for districts, and improve math achievement.** *“Illinois is proud to join this national collaboration to spotlight and share evidence-based policies that help students succeed. By learning from diverse state partners and sharing what works, we can accelerate the spread of effective strategies, adapt to new challenges, and lead the way in creating lasting change for students here in Illinois and across the country."* Dr. Tony Sanders, Illinois State Superintendent of Education ![Illinois (red)](/sites/g/files/omnuum9881/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-10/Illinois%20%282%29.png?itok=xrUP_65q) ### Indiana **Piloting an outcomes-based contracting approach for literacy and developing personalized attendance intervention plans.** *“In Indiana, we’ve seen student outcomes improve for nearly every single data point, yet we have not been able to move the needle for some of our secondary students who continue to struggle with reading. We are continuing to keep our foot on the gas pedal across the board in areas where we are seeing success, and also, in areas where we are not moving as quickly. As we pilot an outcomes-based contracting model for adolescent literacy, our partnership with SLS will help us to better understand our return on investment, and ultimately, improve together for students.”* Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education ![Indiana (red)](/sites/g/files/omnuum9881/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-10/Indiana%20%282%29.png?itok=PESuW5hZ) ### Ohio **Launching a statewide cell phone ban during instructional hours alongside early literacy interventions.** *"Ohio’s work to improve literacy outcomes, accelerate learning, promote student wellness, and ensure workforce readiness will be bolstered by States Leading States. We’re eager to be a national leader in this effort and spearhead the next phase of collaboration among states to advance achievement and prepare students for success."* Steve Dackin, Director, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce ![Ohio (red)](/sites/g/files/omnuum9881/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-10/Ohio%20%284%29.png?itok=wXo00Xce) ### Rhode Island **Designing and evaluating innovative state-level interventions to reduce absenteeism and improve reading achievement.** *"We have an urgent responsibility to act for our students now. By collaborating through States Leading States, we're committed to trying new ideas, measuring their impact, and sharing what works."* Angélica Infante-Green, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education ![Rhode Island (red)](/sites/g/files/omnuum9881/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-10/Rhode%20Island%20%282%29.png?itok=KM52YeLt) ### Tennessee **Redesigning high school accountability and increasing student access to valuable postsecondary pathways.** *“Innovation moves the needle for student success. Tennessee is committed to transforming the high school experience by ensuring that all students have access to high-quality postsecondary opportunities that promote strong academic, military, and workforce readiness.”* Lizzette Reynolds, Tennessee Commissioner of Education ![Tennessee (red)](/sites/g/files/omnuum9881/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-10/State%20Shapes%E2%80%94%20Accelerate%20Tutoring%20Toolkit%20%2812%29.png?itok=V9Zp4M94) ### Texas **Strengthening the statewide math curriculum to boost student achievement in mathematics.** ![Texas (red)](/sites/g/files/omnuum9881/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-10/State%20Shapes%E2%80%94%20Accelerate%20Tutoring%20Toolkit%20%2813%29.png?itok=TR9S7Pya) ## States Leading States in the News [### SLS Summer 2026 Newsletter ](/news/2026/06/sls-summer-2026-newsletter) June 17, 2026 [### SLS Winter 2026 Newsletter ](/news/2026/03/sls-winter-2026-newsletter) March 10, 2026 [### Overdeck Family Foundation Awards $17.2 Million in Grants in Q4 2025 ](/news/2025/11/overdeck-family-foundation-awards-172-million-grants-q4-2025) November 20, 2025 [### HGSE Program Partners with States to Evaluate, Identify Effective Education Policies ](/news/2025/11/hgse-program-partners-states-evaluate-identify-effective-education-policies) November 03, 2025 [### As states take lead in fixing U.S. schools, Harvard will serve as a hub ](/news/2025/10/states-take-lead-fixing-us-schools-harvard-will-serve-hub) October 23, 2025 [### As Feds Step Back, States Step Up Sharing Ways to Boost Student Achievement ](/news/2025/10/feds-step-back-states-step-sharing-ways-boost-student-achievement) October 23, 2025 [ More arrow\_circle\_right ](https://prod-cepr.drupalsites.harvard.edu/news?f%5B0%5D=hwp_c_projectname%3A180526) ## Meet the States Leading States Team [### Joanne Carminucci ](/people/joanne-carminucci)Research Analyst II, States Leading States Joanne Carminucci is a Research Analyst II for the States Leading States initiative at CEPR. Before joining CEPR, she was a Research Associate for the American Institutes for Research, where she supported projects in K-12 literacy, early childhood... ![Joanne Carminucci](/sites/g/files/omnuum9881/files/styles/hwp_scale_small/public/2025-08/Screenshot%202025-08-15%20at%202.33.21%20PM.png?itok=nqXdSRkU) [### Samantha Cullum ](/people/samantha-cullum)Research Manager, States Leading States Samantha Cullum is a Research Manager at the Center for Education Policy Research on the States Leading States project. Prior to joining CEPR, Sam worked as a Research Assistant at the Education Policy Innovation Collaborative (EPIC) at Michigan State... ![Samantha Collum](/sites/g/files/omnuum9881/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2026-02/IMG_2589.jpeg?itok=0Tcs06iH) [### Jasmine Jha ](/people/jasmine-jha)Research Analyst II Jasmine Jha is a Research Analyst II for the States Leading States project at CEPR. Before joining CEPR, Jasmine worked as a Monitoring & Evaluation Consultant at the Heights and Minds Foundation, where she analyzed proof-of-concept data and conducted... ![jasmine jha headshot](/sites/g/files/omnuum9881/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2026-05/5.%20Friend%20C.jpg?itok=jtOh7IRg) [### Micaela Keating Sharp ](/people/micaela-keating)Research Analyst II Micaela Keating Sharp is a Research Analyst II on the Arkansas High-Impact Tutoring and States Leading States projects. She previously worked on the Road to COVID Recovery and Proving Ground Projects at CEPR. Prior to joining the team, Micaela was an... ![Micaela Keating](/sites/g/files/omnuum9881/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/cepr/files/screenshot_2024-07-26_at_9.36.00_am.png?itok=oaLl8YB6) [### Atsuko Muroga ](/people/atsuko-muroga) Atsuko Muroga is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Center for Education Policy Research (CEPR). Her research focuses on understanding the effectiveness and costs of programs and policies designed to improve the well-being and educational equity of K–12... ![Atsuko](/sites/g/files/omnuum9881/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2026-05/atsuko.png?itok=Cr6iNL3r) [### Emily Nordbeck ](/people/emily-nordbeck)Program Manager, States Leading States (SLS) Emily Nordbeck is the Program Manager for the States Leading States (SLS) project at CEPR. Prior to joining CEPR, she worked in research and evaluation roles at the Utah Education Policy Center at the University of Utah and the Center for Social... ![Emily Nordbeck](/sites/g/files/omnuum9881/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2026-01/Emily%20Nordbeck.jpg?itok=DozXrcY4) [### Scott Sargrad ](/people/scott-sargrad)Senior Director, States Leading States Scott Sargrad is the senior director of the States Leading States (SLS) project at CEPR. He was most recently Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and Programs to U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. He also served in the U.S. Department of Education... ![Scott Sargrad](/sites/g/files/omnuum9881/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/cepr/files/sargrad_scott_2.jpg?itok=eu84eWWE) [### Kellie Solowski ](/people/kellie-solowski) [kellie\_solowski@gse.harvard.edu](mailto:kellie_solowski@gse.harvard.edu) Senior Research Program Manager, States Leading States Kellie Solowski is the Senior Research Program Manager for the States Leading States project at the Center for Education Policy Research. She previously served in the same role for the National Center for Rural Education Research Networks (NCRERN) at CEPR... ![Kellie Solowski headshot](/sites/g/files/omnuum9881/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/cepr/files/solowski_kellie.jpg?itok=9G0D69ns) ### Partner with us! States partnering with the SLS initiative will receive help from CEPR’s Strategic Data Project, which finds and trains leaders to organize data systems for measuring impact and identifying implementation challenges. States may elect to nominate their own data analysts for screening or hire an SDP-selected analyst. Fellows will organize state data collection and share their analyses at the end of the fellowship to enable others in the SDP network to repeat the analyses. Additional information about partner states and research topics will be announced on CEPR’s website over the coming months. States interested in partnering with CEPR on this project can reach out to CEPR Executive Director Christina Grant ([christina\_grant@gse.harvard.edu](mailto:christina_grant@gse.harvard.edu)) and States Leading States Senior Director Scott Sargrad ([scott\_sargrad@gse.harvard.edu](mailto:scott_sargrad@gse.harvard.edu)). See also:- [ Project ](/page-type/project) - [ Current ](/project-status/current)