States Leading States: Meet Our Partners and Fellows

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

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

Assessing the implementation and impact of district policies on student cell phone use under an instructional time ban. 

“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 

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 

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

Testing a suite of early literacy policies and cell phone ban impacts

"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 

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 

Examining the statewide career coaching network and the effects of school cell phone policies.

“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 

Strengthening the statewide math curriculum to boost student achievement in mathematics. 

Daion will conduct a cost analysis study to understand the various costs of implementing middle school literacy interventions delivered through an outcomes-based contracting (OBC) model.

Jia will analyze the landscape of early literacy teacher professional development and other high-impact literacy practices across the state to support a deeper understanding of the impacts of Ohio’s early literacy policies.

Kanica will explore the implementation and short-term outcomes of Delaware’s new cell phone policy to provide timely insights for DDOE and to complement SLS-led research examining the impacts of school cell phone policies in several states across the country.

Kristie will examine the implementation of Alabama’s summer learning camps to support a comprehensive K-12 vision for extended learning in Alabama.

Matthew will explore implementation of the state-developed Bluebonnet Learning curriculum across Texas, generating insights to inform TEA’s ongoing work.

Nicole will analyze the implementation of several new statewide initiatives, including Illinois’ continuous school improvement services and comprehensive numeracy plan, to support effective data collection systems and resource allocation.