Annual Report ExcelinEd.org 2020 @ExcelinEd

/ExcelinEd TRANSFORMING EDUCATION TO UNLOCK LIFELONG OPPORTUNITY AND SUCCESS FOR EACH AND EVERY CHILD

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG A MESSAGE FROM A MESSAGE FROM Our Chairman Our CEO

Our nation has shown for more than two centuries that I can’t think of a year when education took center we can overcome challenges through our innovation, stage like it did in 2020. For millions of families, our representative form of government, our fierce the pandemic’s devastating impacts began in our and compassionate hearts…and just plain American children’s schools. As classroom doors shuttered, grit. Time and again, we call on these strengths to teachers, administrators and parents took heroic transform the present and create a better future. steps to keep their students learning. 2020 began a time when we must do so yet again. ExcelinEd was deeply engaged in supporting Restoring stability to our economy, the public’s health, students, schools and states throughout our communities and our children’s schools will take the challenging year and beyond. Our focus, clear goals, hard work and determination—not suite of COVID-19 resources included to mention collaboration and partnership toward a “solution spotlights” highlighting education shared vision. innovations from around the country; policy recommendations to address funding impacts I am grateful that ExcelinEd brings deep policy on students, with an equity assessment tool; expertise and experience to the urgent challenges multi-level strategies to mitigate early literacy facing America’s education system. Our organization learning loss; and a series of conversations with is well positioned with strategic solutions to transform accomplished leaders, Class in Session with Jeb education in states, not only in one single year but Bush, to enrich virtual classrooms. well into the future. In 2020, ExcelinEd also expanded our Credentials To innovate for the future and improve equity, while Matter research to help states align credentials also protecting foundational and proven principles students earn with real-world employer demand, that support high-quality education, ExcelinEd is and we launched a college acceleration playbook committing to 5 goals over 5 years to impact 5 million series to improve opportunities and outcomes for students. students. Our work is laser-focused to bridge the digital I’m excited about ExcelinEd’s commitment to divide; close learning gaps; empower families with 5 goals for the next  years to make a lasting opportunity; strengthen pathways to college and difference in the lives of 5 million students—or career; and reimagine learning. The pages of this more. Those goals hold the key to impactful and report capture the policy solutions and progress far-reaching changes in education, with the power toward that vision. to transform schools, students’ lives, communities We know that achieving these 5 goals can transform and America’s future. education—and that our impact is greatest with I encourage all who believe in a quality education committed partners. On behalf of all students and a for each and every child to help us in this better future for our nation, I invite you to join us. important work. Onward, Sincerely,

 Patricia Levesque Chairman, ExcelinEd CEO, ExcelinEd

1 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG 1 ExcelinEd Board Of Directors About ExcelinEd

CHANGING POLICY, CHANGING LIVES

OUR CHALLENGE Organized around the needs of adults more than a century ago, America’s outdated education system is failing too many of today’s students, leaving them unable to access a learning environment that best meets their needs and underprepared for college and the workforce. JEB BUSH, CHAIRMAN JANET AYERS REGINALD J. BROWN Chairman of the Board & President, The Ayers Foundation Partner, Kirkland & Ellis LLP rd 43 Governor of Florida 50% 65% 1.7M The percentage of 36th The percentage of The number of Where U.S. students U.S. Millennials unable fourth graders that first-year college rank internationally to effectively apply are not proficient students needing in math.1 literacy or math skills in reading.2 remedial help.3 in the workplace.4

ERIC CANTOR CHRIS CERF GARY CHARTRAND Vice Chairman and Managing Former New Jersey Executive Chairman of Acosta & Board OUR SOLUTION OUR FIVE GOALS OUR APPROACH Director, Moelis & Company, & Commissioner of Education Chair of KIPP: Jacksonville Schools former House Majority Leader To address this education and Massive challenges created The Power of Convening economic crisis, former Florida by 2020’s global pandemic We host the National Summit on Governor Jeb Bush launched underscored the need to act with Education to annually convene the the Foundation for Excellence urgency on behalf of students brightest minds in education policy, in Education (ExcelinEd) and and their future. For the first and we facilitate networks of states ExcelinEd in Action to support time in perhaps a century, every and partner collaboratives to inform state leaders in transforming aspect of education can and must policy and practice. education so that all children be reexamined. To create a 21st- CÉSAR CONDE F. PHILIP HANDY DEE BAGWELL HASLAM are equipped for success. century learning environment, Policy Development & Chairman, NBCUniversal CEO of Winter Park Capital CEO, Haslam Sports Group ExcelinEd has established five Implementation International Group and NBCUniversal & former Chairman of the and Partner/Executive Producer, For more than a decade, We bring deep policy expertise goals—each with student-centered Telemundo Enterprises Florida State Board of Education RIVR Media ExcelinEd has been advancing and implementation experience to policy solutions—that have the student-centered policy develop and support state leaders with power to change lives: solutions that are: customized, education policy solutions. Bridge the Digital Divide u Improving student learning State-Specific Research Close Learning Gaps We conduct and leverage research u Increasing opportunity to understand how policy solutions E mpower Families u Expanding equity translate to real-world student success.  with Opportunity ALLAN B. HUBBARD JOEL I. KLEIN SUSANA MARTINEZ u Readying graduates State Advocacy Co-founder and Chairman, Chief Policy and Strategy Officer of Oscar 31st Governor of New Mexico S trengthen Pathways for college and We collaborate and advocate for E&A Industries & former Director, Health & former Chancellor of the New to College + Careers National Economic Council York City Department of Education high-quality jobs change where states are ready to R eimagine Learning transform education.

OUR VALUES COLLABORATION | INTEGRITY | SERVICE | EXPERTISE | MAKING A DIFFERENCE

BRUCE RAUNER 42nd Governor of 1 Programme for International Student Assessment 2 National Assessment of Educational Progress 3 National Center for Education Statistics 4 ETS

2 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG 3 By the Numbers | 2020 Impact ExcelinEd in the States | 2020

WA VT ME 42 States + NH MT ND DC Engaged MA $ $ OR MN NY 258.6 million 208 million WI ID SD Additional Funding for Private Awarded in Charter School MI RI WY PA CT in 4 States Program Grants to 3 States IA NJ OH 13 NE DE NV IL IN Policies Protected WV UT VA MD CO DC in 8 States +3,800 KS MO KY Additional Students CA NC TN with Access to OK SC AZ NM AR Charter Schools GA 35 ALMS (North Carolina) Policies Passed/ +25,000 +36,200 LA Improved in 12 States* Surveys Completed by Additional Students TX Florida Parents to Determine Eligible for Private School AK FL Eligibility for Choice Programs Choice in 4 States AZ HI 13 States Implementation Support

*before and after pandemic-related closure of state legislatures 5 States 3 States Improved Private School Improved Funding Equity Choice Programs or Increased Funding for Charter Schools Accountability Task Bills Engaged 3 Force Work Groups 189 in 30 States 33 Expert Testimonies in 13 States 5 States 5 States 39 100+ Improved Dual Credit and Protected Accountability State & National Partners Attending Postsecondary Credit Programs Policy Speaking Engagements Webinar for Credentials & Webinars Matter Launch 27 States Participating +1,500 in ExcelinEd's Lawmaker Connections Early Literacy and from 5 Advocacy Innovation Networks Campaigns in 4 States $ $ 3.5 million 24.5 million 38.2 million Digital Campaign Impressions New Funding for College Additional Funding for Early and Career Pathways Literacy and VPK Programs 63 Candidate 2.7 million Briefings in Social Media Impressions 12 States Op-Eds for 14 Policy Advocacy $11 million 3 States 78 Funding for Computer Supported with Student-Centered 186 Policy & Science Teacher Training Budget-Cutting Principles 29 769,000 News & Blog Communications Email Impressions (Alabama & Florida) Convenings of ExcelinEd's Posts Resources 4 Policy Networks & Collaboratives

4 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG 5 States Highlights | 2020 WEST VIRGINIA

Created State Advisory Council on IDAHO Postsecondary Attainment Goals to improve workforce preparedness Protected $350,000 for Expanded flexibility to innovate mastery-based pilot program for +1,900 schools Increased early literacy funding by Created funding equity for +90 charter $3.2 million schools serving 40,000 students NORTH CAROLINA Improved Idaho 529 College Savings Program Improved career and technical Protected standards and school accountability education with +$22 million Expanded school choice with +$6.5 million for special education grants to serve +2,500 families Raised the income threshold for Opportunity Scholarships to serve more families KENTUCKY Allocated $22 million to enroll +3,800 students in virtual charter schools Set attainment goal to increase UTAH participation in computer science by underrepresented groups Defeated anti-accountability bill Created a pathway to award academic Passed special needs tax-credit credit for postsecondary education GEORGIA scholarship to serve up to 1,700 students based on work-related experiences Improved existing charter school Protected standards and school Protected standards and school TENNESSEE enrollment policy accountability accountability Created financial transparency for local +$37 million for ESAs serving 5,000 charter schools students in Memphis and Nashville* Streamlined dual credit program and reduced *Program struck down following a constitutional challenge MISSISSIPPI state funds lost to local districts and colleges Adopted fewer, better tests by eliminating Improved Empowerment Protected special unnecessary assessments and moving tests Scholarships to include needs ESAs by closer to the end of the school year Native American students extending program ALABAMA who attend school on the by +4 years Navajo Nation but across Doubled funding for Protected standards computer science teacher the state line and school training to $2 million accountability FLORIDA Expanded college acceleration with +$2.5 million Expanded Family Empowerment Scholarships to serve +28,000 students for dual enrollment Increased ESA funding by $42 million to serve +4,000 special needs students Strengthened early literacy Secured $170 million for charter school facilities serving +300,000 students with +$26.9 million STATE SESSION ENGAGEMENT Protected $173 million for Schools of Hope Protected $7.4 million in AP exam Supported +$500 million to increase teacher pay Engaged in 30 state sessions on 189 bills fees for low-income students Provided legislative testimony on 27 occasions Strengthened college acceleration with incentive funding for school districts across 10 states Secured $10 million for computer science teacher training COVID-19 closed 24 state sessions, Secured reading scholarship accounts for +15,000 struggling readers impacting 83 bills for ExcelinEd in Action Increased VPK funding by $8.1 million to serve +178,000 students Enhanced public school choice and CTE for military families

6 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG 7 Thought Leadership Highlights

RESEARCH & RESOURCES THOUGHT LEADERSHIP WORK-BASED FLEXIBILITY GUIDES TO ADVANCE NETWORK OF STATE INNOVATION EDUCOMMENTARY IN FLORIDA LEARNING PLAYBOOK INNOVATION PARTNERS Published opinion editorials and guest Published Developing High-Quality Conducted inventories of existing flexibilities in Illinois, Hosted quarterly meetings, providing support to columns, including The Path from Classroom State Work-Based Learning: A Indiana and Utah and developed state-specific guides 19 states on next generation learning initiatives. to Career authored by Patricia Levesque, Playbook for State Policymakers to for supporting personalized learning and continued Discussions focused on leveraging data to inform and More than just school choice; high- help states design and implement innovation. decision making; supporting special education and quality education matters, by Board Member effective work-based learning English Language Learners; and strategies to support Gary Chartrand. ED TO WORKFORCE CONTINUUM and communicate with families. A Future of Learning programs that benefit students and ESA ADMINISTRATOR NETWORK their states. Initiated research to develop a comprehensive roadmap workshop explored how the pandemic has accelerated and analysis of the policies that comprise a strong the call for innovative Launched a new network of education scholarship account administrators to capture key policy challenges. COLLEGE ACCELERATION education to workforce continuum, beginning in K-12 ways to meet Participants from five states convened virtually to share PLAYBOOK and extending to and through postsecondary and on to learners’ needs. best practices for program implementation and discuss employment. Released Accelerating Students VIRTUAL COVID-19 impacts. from High School to College CHARTER SCHOOL CONVENINGS AMICUS BRIEFS and Careers, which identifies the OF THE EARLY benefits of college acceleration POLICY BRIEF Filed amicus briefs to support or protect policies: Florida Published Building for Success: LITERACY (school reopening), (SAFE grants to help programs and commonsense NETWORK solutions necessary to improve How States can Address Charter eligible students attend participating private, parochial quality, access, equity and sustainable funding. School Facility Needs to help states Hosted virtual or independent schools) and Tennessee (ESA program determine how well charter school convenings of ExcelinEd’s Early Literacy Network for for lower income students). Signed on to an amicus ED TO WORKFORCE POLICIES facility needs are being met with more than 20 early literacy leaders from 14 states. brief supporting the U.S. Department of Education in a Developed College & Career Pathways model policies, existing state policies. Participants addressed high-quality instructional CARES Act lawsuit opposing distribution of funding to including CTE Incentive Grant, Accelerated College materials and teacher training in the Science of private schools for equitable services. CHOICES IN Credit Portfolio, College & Career Pathways Innovation, Reading. PARTNER COLLABORATIVES EDUCATION Work-Based Learning and Last-Dollar Scholarship. SCHOOL CHOICE COLLABORATIVE AND COALITIONS Launched Hosted School Choice Collaborative calls with as Participated in regularly scheduled convenings of CREDENTIALS MATTER: MyChoicesinEdFL. many as 80 participants to share research and discuss three national and 12 state education coalitions and 2020 UPDATE org, a one-of-its-kind policy developments and topical issues, including work groups, including Computer Science for Georgia, Built on our first-of-its-kind parent portal and tool Indiana Education Coalition, School Choice research released in partnership CARES Act and GEER Funding. CREDENTIALS MATTER providing information coalition, North Carolina Coalition for Education PHASE 2 with Burning Glass Technologies. A 2020 Update on Credential Attainment on scholarship options and eligibility for students in and Workforce Demand in America CHARTER SCHOOL PROGRAM GRANTS Opportunity, Tennessee Team Kid and bimonthly Key findings: Just over half of all September 2020 Florida. Through December 31, 80,994 unique users Advised three states in successful applications for calls of the U.S. Department of Education. Provided states collect K-12 quantitative visited the website, with 25,496 eligibility survey federal Charter School Program grants: Florida accountability expertise as an invited member of the data on credential attainment. completions. (awarded $78M), Pennsylvania ($30M) and Texas Arizona Technical Advisory Committee, Mississippi No state is highly aligned in terms of supply for ($100M). Accountability Taskforce and Tennessee SCORE’s credentials earned by students and demand for those NEW POLICY TOOLKITS Accountability Working Group. credentials in the job market. Published new policy toolkits: Private School Choice: PANELISTS AND PRESENTERS Impact on Public School Students in Florida and CREDENTIALS MATTER: School Accountability: 4 State Policy Levers for School Served as panelists or presenters at the following forums: State Policy Network’s Education Issue COVID-19 CASE STUDY Turnaround. Campaign Training Summit (education scholarship Examined short-term changes TEACHER SUPPORT accounts); International School Choice and Reform in credential demand based on CREDENTIALS MATTER COVID-19 CASE STUDY Conference; Commonwealth Foundation’s Miss Examining the effect of the COVID-19 Released Transforming Professional the economic ramifications of pandemic on Career and Technical Education and associated industry credentials Virginia screening; Philanthropy Roundtable webinar September 2020 Learning: Actions for States to Help COVID-19. Key findings: For the (Credentials Matter); U.S. Chamber Business Leads March through May time period, Teachers Continuously Improve NATIONAL SCHOOL Fellow event (industry credentials); National overall weekly job postings in Their Instructional Practices. CHOICE WEEK Association of State Boards of Education Annual the U.S. declined 41% in 2020, Participated in National School Choice Week rallies in Conference, Military Child Education Coalition, compared to a 29% increase in 2019. 10 states: AZ, CO, FL, IN, KS, KY, MS, PA, SC, TN. College in High School Alliance (dual enrollment); and International Literacy Association. 8 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG 9 COVID-19 Support

RESOURCES THOUGHT LEADERSHIP Produced COVID-19 resources and tools to support Released Education Stabilization Funds: CUSTOMIZED SUPPORT education leaders across with state-level Rethinking K-12 Education Models, an Hosted calls with State Chiefs in 12 states to support decisions. Tools included a 50-State Snapshot of state overview of the U.S. Department of resource/research needs, best use of federal funds actions with accompanying map and database as Education’s Rethink K-12 Education and model policies for reopening of schools and well as news and blogs spotlighting state and school Discretionary Grant Program, continuity of learning. VIRTUAL CLASSROOM CONTENT district solutions and education innovations. ExcelinEd including grant purpose, priorities and Supported distance learning/the virtual classroom for also promoted Home-Based Learning, State Leader considerations for states as they develop NETWORK OF STATE INNOVATION secondary school students with Governor Bush’s Class and Social and Emotional Learning resources amid programs, activities, protocols and services PARTNERS in Session, a series of conversations covering a range COVID-19 and Eblasted State Solution Spotlights around infrastructure, access and innovation. Hosted four COVID-19 meetings held jointly with of topics, including civics, coding, faith, teamwork, featuring innovations in 20 states to share lessons Interviewed students with disabilities, parents, teachers, CCSSO’s Student-Centered Learning Collaborative leadership, entrepreneurship, governing, sports, the learned from around the country. disability-rights advocates and national organizations and four special workshops on Delinking Traditional arts and media, with participants including former Shared these resources directly with 434 partners in 35 to inform Special Education and Distance Learning: Seat Time from State Funding in the COVID-19 Era. U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, technology states, including 250 elected officials and 184 partner Supporting Students Through the Pandemic, a resource As many as 47 participants representing 24 states leader Hadi Partovi, Chicago Cubs Manager David organizations. guide offering solutions and best practices to education and 6 partner organizations participated in one or Ross, former White House Press Secretary Dana policy leaders to meet challenges faced by the special more meetings. The convenings provide a forum for Perino, owner of the Cleveland Browns Dee Bagwell education community. states to discuss COVID-19 issues, distance learning Haslam, Snap Founder/CEO Evan Spiegel and New challenges, innovations arising amid school closings York Times bestselling author Brad Meltzer. Outlined different types of funding available to address and preferred future of learning models. education needs arising from the pandemic, with EDUCOMMENTARY guidance on how to access and maximize funds, in Governor Bush authored op-eds in the Wall Street The CARES Act: Summary and Recommendations for Journal, Washington Post, and Private School Leaders. Slate, keynoted 13 virtual events on education and participated in more than 18 podcasts and live Developed recommendations to private school leaders interviews sharing advice on leadership during crisis, on how to access equitable funds under the CARES Act innovative solutions to serve America’s students, through The CARES Act: Equitable Services Funding tracking student progress during the pandemic and Guidance for Private Schools how COVID-19 will change the way parents think With the input of state chiefs and national SUPPORT FOR EARLY LITERACY about education. Live interviews were hosted by thought leaders, published Reopening Moderated a roundtable discussion on Combating American Enterprise Institute, Sirius, ASU/GSV, Schools After COVID-19 Closures: COVID-19 Learning Loss: Strategies for States, Education Next, The 74 and others. Developed The CARES Act: Considerations for States, including results Districts and Communities to Support 4th Grade How to Target GEER Funding: of a State Leader Survey on Reopening Reading Readiness; published entry in #AskExcelinEd A Playbook for Governors to Schools. blog series: Amid COVID-19, how can states prepare help governors strategically exiting 3rd graders to ‘read to learn’ in 4th grade? allocate GEER funds to ensure Supported state partners with education the greatest return on investment funding models, including helping states prepare for COVID-19 SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS for education from relief dollars. potential K-12 funding cuts, identifying alternatives Served as panelists or presenters on issues related ExcelinEd assisted Arizona, Florida, to seat time funding and student-centered budget to the pandemic at the following forums: Campaign Idaho, Oklahoma and Texas with cutting principles that ensure equity. Provided in-depth, for Grade Level Reading; Digital Divide Roundtable GEER funding decisions. customized support to partners in Minnesota, South sponsored by CZI; Regional Education Laboratory; Carolina and Utah. Produced reports on the The Southern Group; Hosted by Nelson Mullins -- importance of states administering Published COVID-19 Early Literacy Loss: First Amendment Rights in the Virtual Schoolhouse: “KEEP FLORIDA SCHOOLS comprehensive end-of year Strategies for States to address the Challenges for Higher Ed & K-12 Schools in the Rush OPEN” PETITION DRIVE assessments to all public-school challenges of identifying and supporting to Go Online; Idaho webinar on distance learning; Launched a social media campaign that reached students to ensure every child is struggling readers in the absence of and Children’s Education Alliance of Missouri. 69,000+ parents and high school students across the state in two weeks, resulting in 980 clicks to the counted and to help schools offer statewide assessments and summer  extra support for the students learning loss. petition and more than 400 petition signatures. who need it the most.

10 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG 11 EDVISION | Presidential Reflections President George W. Bush shared with former U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings his extraordinary insights on presidential and gubernatorial leadership “Such a delight to EDTALK | Irshad Manji in education, the join John King for Irshad Manji, founder of the Moral coalition-building that this conversation at Courage Project, spoke with Brightbeam can ignite change and ExcelinEd’s EdPalooza. CEO Chris Stewart about how to the post-pandemic road Leaders like him inspire celebrate individuality, embrace diversity of ahead for everyone EDVISION | Reflections on hope that we can build thought and transform disagreement into working to ensure Educational Leadership strong and diverse opportunity to develop lasting solutions success for Drawing on his service in coalitions to ensure all that can help to heal America. students and the federal, state and nonprofit children have the equitable future of education sectors, former U.S. Secretary and excellent education in America. of Education John King shared they want and deserve.” perspectives on long-standing issues of educational equity, ­–Elisa Villanueva Beard, digital access and the role of Teach for America assessments. In conversation “We challenged the soft bigotry of low with Elisa Villanueva Beard, expectations. We did not accept the notion King highlighted the innovative that only some kids could learn.” strategies educators are using ­–President George W. Bush to help their schools move from EDTALK | Amanda Ripley pandemic recovery to excellence EdPalooza provided an exciting virtual experience Bestselling author of The Unthinkable: Who in education. that brought the education community together, Survives When Disaster Strikes–And Why, igniting ideas and inspiring change to address the Amanda Ripley shared with ExcelinEd massive challenges—and explore opportunities for CEO Patricia Levesque her research and innovation—created by the global pandemic. insight into the human experience during disasters, the decisive moments that The three-day event included EdVision keynotes result and how to build resilience through and interactive EdTalks plus more than 100 EDVISION | Undivided: unsettling yet transformative times. Palooza sessions. Attendees heard from renowned Achieving Digital Access leaders and engaged with policy experts on topics For All ranging from educational equity, early literacy, In dissecting today’s digital divide, four early college and the future of assessments to visionary leaders shared perspectives education-to-workforce, bridging the digital divide EDVISION | In the Hands of our Children: on digital opportunity and its broad and the future of learning, schools and teaching. The Road Ahead for a Strong Democracy implications for education, equity and More than 100 speakers, partners and sponsors Dr. Condoleezza Rice and Jon Meachum in conversation our nation’s economy and security. helped make EdPalooza a resounding success! with Juan Williams shared perspectives on the importance of Moderated by Stefanie Sanford, Evan democracy and civic engagement to the future of our country in Marwell, Larry Irving, Johnathan a complex, divided and rapidly changing world. Adelstein and Governor Jeb Bush EDTALK | Andreas Schleicher explored transformative solutions that “The Rice/Meacham/Williams panel on During a time of hyper-partisanship, their conversation explored create equity, prioritize students and OECD’s Andreas Schleicher and Walton democracy and education was a triumph – educational opportunity, equity, religious freedom, participation bridge the digital divide. Family Foundation’s Marc Sternberg the best I have seen perhaps ever.” in government and the role of each individual in ensuring the discussed the global and long-term ­–Stefanie Sanford, College Board long-term viability of our nation. impact of school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting international best practices as well as opportunities for transforming education and leveraging the talents of students to EDPALOOZA SPONSORS give them a compass for success.

12 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG 13 A VIRTUAL SUCCESS! u 2,050+ registrants from all 50 states plus 13 STATE ROUNDTABLES 100 SESSIONS IN 11 TOPIC AREAS nations: Bangladesh, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, India, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Mexico, ExcelinEd in Action convened many Netherlands, Sweden and the United Kingdom of the nation’s boldest leaders and Expert panelists explored new and existing partners in education to share states’ education challenges and solutions, showcased u 200 elected or appointed officials the latest research and innovations and student-centered policy innovations u 500 legislative and state education agency staff and pandemic response. Joining highlighted education policy, practice and Governor Jeb Bush and ExcelinEd programs. u 300+ teachers, school leaders and administrators Board members Dee Haslam and u 60 + state and national partners former Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, were Tennessee Governor Bill DATA: ASSESSMENTS, ACCOUNTABILITY, u Social Buzz: 3,300+ posts; 5.4 million reach, Lee, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT, LEARNING LOSS 70.5 million impressions. Florida Speaker of the House Chris DIGITAL DIVIDE: EQUITY, ACCESS, Sprowls, Ohio Governor Mike INSTRUCTION, INNOVATION, DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted INFRASTRUCTURE and Arizona Governor Doug Ducey. EARLY LITERACY: SCIENCE, Roundtable participants, including INSTRUCTION, PROGRESS education chiefs and state policymakers, explored ways to EDUCATION FUNDING: SEAT-TIME, strengthen education systems BUDGET CHALLENGES, PENSION with GEER funds, supporting OBLIGATIONS families, students and educators with investments in transformative NEXT GENERATION LEARNING: Every child deserves access to broadband, internet and access programs and resources. With an STUDENT-CENTERED TRANSFORMATION to a device. It’s that simple. I’m glad you are taking the time to eye on the future, they identified do something about it and providing action and solutions.” key goals for education in 2021 and PATHWAYS: HIGH SCHOOL ­–Kelvin Beachum, Arizona Cardinals beyond. TO COLLEGE PLUS CAREERS NFL Players Coalition Task Force SCHOOL CHOICE: PUBLIC AND PRIVATE OPTIONS, PARENT STORIES

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC MOBILITY: RESEARCH, CHALLENGES, SOLUTIONS

TEACHERS AND LEADERS: INNOVATION, TRAINING AND SUPPORT

WHOLE CHILD: SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING, SCHOOL SAFETY

COMMUNITY: ADVOCACY, ACTIVISM, COMMUNICATIONS, POLLING

EDPALOOZA SPONSORS

14 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG 15 EXPLORING BLACK PARENTS’ EXPERIENCE WITH PRIVATE SCHOOL CHOICE SPOTLIGHT: A CONVERSATION REDESIGNING PHILANTHROPY’S Compelling stories and experiences of WITH SAL KHAN, FOUNDER OF PUBLIC EDUCATION RESPONSE TO THE families have the power to move policy THE KHAN ACADEMY AS WE EMERGE PANDEMIC conversations forward. Four Black parents FROM PREDICTING TO FROM THE shared their experiences with private school In this fireside chat, Khan Academy’s Sal Using philanthropy’s investments PREVENTING – AVOID PANDEMIC choice programs in Arizona, Florida and Khan discussed closing the opportunity in innovation and delivery LEARNING AND ECONOMIC North Carolina. gap for all students and keeping As students return to models as the laboratories for LOSSES FROM BECOMING everyone learning. in-person learning after learning, policymakers heard REALITY long absences, panelists about solutions for advancing Researchers from McKinsey and Company, the discussed what needs student-centered education World Bank and Opportunity Insights presented to happen to make policies in 2021. their findings on COVID-19 impacts to education, schools better and more arming policymakers with data for developing THE FUTURE OF DIGITAL equitable for students in state-specific policy solutions. EDUCATION IN A POST-COVID a post-pandemic world. WORLD

PREPARING Two experienced state chiefs and the FOR STATE TESTING CEO of the world’s very first digital IN 2020-21: YOU HAVE education company explored the pandemic’s impact on digital learning SPOTLIGHT: FINE LINES: CHALLENGES, WE and essential changes for ensuring HOW IMAGINARY BORDERS HAVE SOLUTIONS! WHY COMPUTER SCIENCE IS MORE digital access, CREATE REAL BARRIERS IMPORTANT THAN EVER School accountability experts shared resources and Author Tim DeRoche, in conversation innovative solutions for remote delivery, proficiency. Women leaders in the tech industry explored with 50CAN’s Derrell Bedford, discussed his research and how security and proctoring of state assessments the computer science policies states are using we can make the best public schools more accessible. to yield valid and reliable results. to ensure students have equitable opportunities in school, career and life—and how have some states set themselves far ahead of the rest.

BEST PRACTICES IN CLOSING LEARNING GAPS: WHAT WE DO THE LEAST HARM: BEST KNOW FROM SCHOOL LEADERS, PRACTICES FOR STATES FACING DATA, EQUITY & SYSTEMS CUTS TO K-12 FUNDING THINKERS CHARTER SCHOOLS: PAVING THE WAY FOR SPOTLIGHT: WHAT’S Policy experts highlighted states that are THE NEXT GENERATION NEXT GENERATION ALL THIS FUSS ABOUT As pandemic-related learning losses doing the best job in making equitable, student-centered, and UNBUNDLED LEARNING THE ‘SCIENCE OF widen existing learning gaps, panelists strategic K-12 funding decisions, based on key principles developed Charter school leaders Leaders shared the policies READING’? identified impactful ways to close by ExcelinEd and partners. knowledge and achievement gaps provided insights into new needed to support innovation Emily Hanford, senior between innovations that are serving and next generation learning correspondent for APM racial, ethnic, students. models. Reports, discussed insights and income from the scientific research in groups. early reading instruction. SERVING ALL STUDENTS: INCREASING TEACHER DIVERSITY IN YOUR STATE A panel of experts discussed concrete proposals to increase teacher diversity. EDPALOOZA SPONSORS

16 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG 17 Bridge the Digital Divide AS A MOTHER, I CANNOT TELL YOU, WHAT IT MEANS TO GET A MESSAGE FROM YOUR SCHOOL SAYING WE HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY HERE TO HELP YOUR CHILD. ENSURING EVERY - Deidre Clark, I3 Academy Mother STUDENT HAS

EQUITABLE POLICY ACCESS TO SOLUTIONS THE DIGITAL SUPERHIGHWAY Provide widespread device and internet access for underserved students.

ONE COMMUNITY’S STORY: Offer high-quality instruction through online learning platforms and high-quality curriculum. I3 ACADEMY As other parents nationwide worried in 2020 how their children would transition to online education, Deidre Clark was confident her two sons would be able to learn and thrive no matter what. Support schools and teachers That wasn’t always the case. Seeing the lack of quality options in her with professional development in community, Deidre worked with other parents to create a school online learning. that could meet the needs of their children. Despite the onset of a pandemic and widespread disruptions to education, I3 Academy, a new public charter school in Birmingham, Alabama, was born. Develop online services for special With a firm commitment to access for all, school leaders knew that education, English language digital resources would be essential. learners and social and emotional “As soon as we realized this was not going to be a typical year, well-being. During the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 55.1 million K-12 students in the were out of we started planning on how we would leverage technology for school. Of that total, at least 11 million students did not have a computer for online learning, meaning instruction and communication,” said Dr. Martin Nalls, Head of that for almost an entire semester nearly 20 percent of America’s students were trying to keep learning— School. but without access to what is now commonplace technology. And the educators they depend on? Establish technology and Approximately 400,000 of our public school teachers still lack internet. To start, they provided technology to every one of their more than 400 students to ensure support for online learning. The school also instructional education accounts Without question, bridging the digital divide is a pivotal step in ensuring all students have equitable access provided teachers with training on effective instruction in a digital for families. to a quality education. environment. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics and USAFacts show that 14 percent of children For incoming families, I3 staff held online trainings and created a ages 3-18 have no internet access at home, and 17 percent live in households without a laptop or desktop helpline so that students and their parents could easily overcome computer. The impact on lower-income students is even greater: a full third (34 percent) of families the challenges that stem from new technology. And school leaders surveyed reported not having internet because they were unable to afford it. moved all parent engagement activities online to foster a sense of As policymakers and practitioners reopen schools and help students recover from lost learning, they now community among families and the school’s staff. know that learning can—and will—occur both inside and outside of the traditional classroom setting. All “We have unleashed the power of technology, not only in the students urgently need basic devices and access to the Internet in order to learn. classrooms, but throughout our entire school operations,” said Dr. Nalls.

18 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG 19 Bridge the Digital Divide TEXAS STATE HIGHLIGHTS Texas is home to To address immediate needs due to pandemic the largest number of disruptions, states used GEER and Cares Act funds rural students in America to strengthen digital equity, provide students, – between 800,000 and 1 million families and educators with digital access and THOUGHT LEADERSHIP HIGHLIGHT: students – which makes closing the bridge the digital divide. digital divide especially challenging in In , the Florida Virtual School used A NATIONAL CALL TO ACTION If we are serious about the Lone Star State. FLORIDA CARES Act funding to prepare its digital In his action-provoking opinion editorial for Slate.com, Governor Jeb economic justice and platform for daily instruction of 4 million students. Bush asked readers to imagine the possibilities “if we could put every SCHOOL DISTRICT SURVEY economic equity, then To accurately assess technology needs, The online school also gained capacity to prepare area of America on an even playing field when it comes to high-speed the Texas Education Agency (TEA) up to 10,000 teachers per day for distance learning. internet.” we need to create a surveyed districts to understand how digital footprint that Governor Kevin Stitt With millions of Americans lacking fixed broadband service, especially many devices and hot spots would OKLAHOMA allocated $8 million in GEER funds to the those in rural and low-income communities, Governor Bush noted allows everyone to access be required to close the digital divide state’s Bridge the Gap Digital Wallet grant that “disconnection can disenfranchise,” as underserved populations broadband. in their communities. Education program. Funds provide up to 5,000 low-income are ill equipped and unprepared to fully participate in a world Commissioner Mike Morath said families with $1,500 grants for curriculum, tutoring increasingly dependent on the internet. Governor that while expanding fiber networks services, technology and internet connectivity. Jeb Bush through rural Texas is the ideal long- He raised concerns that negative consequences would impact not Chairman, ExcelinEd term solution, providing “Wi-Fi hot An additional $12 million was allocated to Learn only commerce, the workforce and workplace, but also access to a spots” was the necessary immediate Anywhere Oklahoma. The initiative provides school high-quality education. The impact on students cut off from self- solution. districts and families with digital access to high paced lessons, virtual learning, online resources and educational quality and diverse coursework, including Advanced opportunity is simply unacceptable and will be felt for years to come. TASK FORCE Placement courses across grades K-12. Following the survey, TEA convened Governor Bush called on Congress to focus on expanding access a task force comprised of industry, through three core elements: investment, public-private partnerships technology, educators and policy and jobs. experts to secure funding for bulk orders of laptops and hot spots. The It is essential for students to have access state provided matching funding for to reliable broadband access so they can RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT: low-income students. excel in school and prepare for their future OPERATION CONNECTIVITY careers. With approximately one million 1:1 DEVICES FOR STUDENTS – MODEL POLICY The Digital Devices for In May, state leaders launched ExcelinEd has long believed that students need access to the All Act guarantees Operation Connectivity, investing Ohioans lacking broadband access, it is time st internet, edtech and digital skills training to be successful in the 21 students, families and more than $200 million in CARES to invest now to bridge that digital divide. century. These tools are essential in preparing students for college educators receive equitable Act funds to buy laptops, tablets and and careers and, equally important, ensuring students become WiFi hotspots. In August, Governor Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted strong digital citizens. access to resources, helping Greg Abbott announced state officials ExcelinEd’s Policy Director of Digital Equity, Divya Sridhar, led to bridge the digital divide had procured more than 1 million the development of a model policy for state policymakers—the and empowering everyone to personal devices and 500,000 internet hotspots. Digital Devices for All Act—to support access to digital devices participate in a meaningful for all students. The policy allows districts to use curriculum- digital learning experience. based resources, such as textbook funds, to ensure every student is connected to an internet-enabled, digital device installed with Divya Sridhar instructional materials. ExcelinEd Policy Director of Digital Equity Through the policy, school districts and public charter schools gain increased flexibility to meet the needs of each school and its MODEL POLICY Digital Devices for All Act students, especially those who are underserved. ExcelinEd Policy Toolkit - 2021

This document contains model policy for the Digital Devices for All Act.

SUMMARY To support the development of innovative 1:1 device access policy, ExcelinEd has developed a model policy to support access to digital devices for all students through a state’s curriculum adoption process. By allowing districts to use categorical funds (like textbook funds) to purchase devices for students, states can provide them with new flexibility to meet reasonable expectations."

If a state were to adopt this policy, districts could do the following and more: • Ensure every student is connected to an internet-enabled, digital distance learning device1 for use at school, and at home;

• Determine priority for a device, specific to a student’s need (e.g., need could be determined based on a combination of factors, including a student’s socioeconomic status, geographic needs and/or alternative learning needs) for connectivity, devices and related services (such as device insurance). MODEL POLICY – DIGITAL DEVICES FOR ALL ACT I. Short Title

This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Digital Devices for All Act,” (the “Act”).

II. Legislative Purpose

The purpose of this act is to:

a. Ensure that every public school student in the state has access to the tools they need for learning; 20 ANNUAL REPORTb. Provide school districts and2020 charter schools with | increased EXCELINED.ORG flexibility to meet students’ learning needs; ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG 21 and c. Remove any impediments to the expansion of digital learning or virtual instruction environment opportunities.

III. Definitions

a. “Digital device” shall be defined as an internet-enabled device such as a laptop, tablet, or computer the student can use to complete schoolwork at home2, which is capable of connecting to the wireless technology infrastructure and internet access points throughout locations in the districts' or charter schools' classrooms.

b. “Digital learning or virtual instruction environment” shall be defined as:

1) Access to quality digital learning content and/or online blended learning courses; 2) Tailored digital content designed to meet the needs of each student; and 3) Digital learning content that meets or exceeds the state’s standards and requirements adopted by the State Board of Education.

1 Device is defined as: a “desktop computer, laptop, or tablet.” Students with a cell or mobile phone are not considered to have an adequate distance learning device. Closing the K-12 Divide in the Age of Distance Learning. Common Sense + BCG. 2 A digital device does not include a mobile phone or smart phone. An adequate, internet-enable device sufficient to complete schoolwork would include a laptop, tablet, or computer, as defined by leading researchers in 2020. www.ExcelinEd.org Close Learning Gaps I SEE THOSE STUDENTS WHO WERE ON THE PATH TO DROPPING OUT AND NOW THEY ARE ENGAGED, AND THEY WANT TO COME TO SCHOOL. GUARANTEEING - Utica School PTO President Melva Burks EVERY CHILD

RECEIVES POLICY ACADEMIC SOLUTIONS SUPPORT TO LEARN, SUCCEED Ensure every child can read AND ACHIEVE by the end of 3rd grade. THEIR FULL POTENTIAL ONE SCHOOL’S STORY: Assess learning each year to make UTICA ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL sure every student counts. When Dr. Will Smith became the principal of Mississippi’s Utica Elementary and Middle School in 2017, he made a promise to the community to build a culture focused on academic excellence and to change the school’s D grade. Hold schools accountable for student outcomes and In just two short years, Principal Smith helped raise the grade to a content mastery. B, and he’s confident that if assessments had occurred in 2020, the school would have earned an A. Principal Smith credits the school’s success to building a strong culture of excellence, making data-driven decisions and engaging the community. Inform educators and parents “Teaching and learning is a two-way street,” he says. “Students come about student progress to up to me in the hallway and ask about their progress, because they empower intervention. are empowered to create their own learning action plans.”

Even before students faced up to a year’s worth of learning loss resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, Principal Smith uses assessment data to help students understand America’s schools were failing too many children—particularly the underserved. what benchmarks they are expected to meet. For example, Utica teachers incorporate the five components of reading (phonemic Equitably distribute high- According to the Nation’s Report Card, almost two-thirds of fourth graders are not performing on grade awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension and fluency) each performing teachers to meet 1 level in math or reading. What’s worse is that despite federal mandates and state-led initiatives to increase day, and in two years, the number of students reading on or above the needs of all students. student performance, progress over the past 30 years to close learning gaps has been limited. According to grade level increased by nearly 10 percentage points. The percentage the National Center for Education Statistics, Black and Hispanic students are trailing their white peers by up of students proficient in math more than doubled. to two grade levels in reading and math assessments.2 Assistant Principal La’Tesha Roby said that when Utica students need The implications of the disparate academic outcomes between race, gender and socioeconomic status Distribute funding equitably intensive intervention in reading, “they are invited to ‘promise time’ and extend far beyond the classroom. They have consequences for lifetime earnings, the composition of our across all public schools. given the extra help they nation’s prisons and even future health outcomes. The impact of the pandemic is only set to exacerbate need to be successful.” these equity gaps. Parents and community But it doesn’t have to be that way. Effective state policies can have real impact by holding schools members are invited to accountable for student success, ensuring all learners are reading by the end of third grade, establishing “promise nights” at the strong supports for those who are struggling and empowering families with transparent information. Only school, so that everyone is then will we be able to meet every individual’s learning needs, close persistent achievement gaps and attain working together to raise equity in the classroom and beyond. student achievement.

22 1 National Assessment of Educational Progress 2 National Center for Education Statistics ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG 23 FLORIDA’S STATE HIGHLIGHTS Close Learning Gaps CARES ACT TEXAS used GEER funds for its Supplementary In June 2020, Special Education Services Program. Up to Florida released its 20,000 eligible families of public school full plan for reopening schools and children with significant disabilities received leveraging CARES Act funding to help THOUGHT LEADERSHIP HIGHLIGHT: online accounts of $1,500 to obtain educational students and teachers. The state’s resources, supplies or therapeutic services. EARLY LITERACY NETWORK These are great plan focused especially on closing persistent achievement gaps affecting leaders dedicated $500 million to ExcelinEd’s Early Literacy Policy Director, Dr. Kymyona Burk, brings FLORIDA convenings. We enjoy disadvantaged students. increase teacher pay. The state also set aside her passion and expertise to convenings of the Early Literacy collaborating and bouncing $7.5 million to help +15,000 struggling readers Network. As a former teacher and education leader in Mississippi, BOOSTING READING with reading scholarship accounts and increased she applies her professional training and first-hand experience in ideas from different states. It PROFICIENCY VPK funding by $8.1 million, allowing an the classroom and education administration to support reading is a true network. Thank you With early literacy the foundation for all estimated 178k additional students to participate administrators and state literacy coaches in strengthening and learning, Florida focused on supporting for continuing to cultivate in the Voluntary Pre-K program. successfully implementing state K-3 reading programs. the relationships. struggling readers with $5 million in CARES Act funding to train up to 2,000 leaders invested an additional $26.9 Throughout 2020, Dr. Burk convened more than 20 early literacy ALABAMA reading coaches. In addition, the state million to strengthen the state’s early literacy leaders from 14 states via online meetings of the Network. L.M. Clinton invested $5 million to support regional program and support implementation of the Participants heard from literacy experts on the latest topics and Third Grade Reading Guarantee reading specialists specifically trained to Alabama Literacy Act, passed in 2019. issues in K-3 reading, with in-depth discussions on the identification Administrator, Ohio help educators over the next two years. of high-quality instructional materials and teacher training in the Department The state also invested funds to ensure IDAHO increased reading proficiency Science of Reading. of Education high-quality curriculum and alignment intervention funding by $3.2 million and, notably, ensured these funds were made Network convenings provided a needed forum for sharing of CARES Act child-care funding with permanent and available in future years. Schools experiences, lessons learned and best practices for effective program early reading preparation. can now count on uninterrupted support for implementation – especially critical in the COVID era. RECOVERING LEARNING LOSS students’ individualized reading plans. Florida immediately invested in programs and educators to support GEORGIA took steps aligning with ExcelinEd’s RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT: rising kindergarten and elementary Fewer, Better Tests policy by maximizing students in summer 2020. The instruction time, moving tests closer to the end COVID-19 EARLY LITERACY LOSS: supports focused on students at risk of of the school year and eliminating unnecessary assessments. STRATEGIES FOR STATES losing ground due to the pandemic’s disruption of intensive, in-school As schools struggled with a myriad of pandemic-related issues, they COVID-19 EARLY LITERACY LOSS Strategies for States May 2020 supports. faced particular challenges with third-grade reading proficiency.

BACKGROUND By the 2019-20 school year’s end, many states had waived annual In 2019, 35% of fourth-grade students in the U.S. performed at or above NAEP proficient in reading—accounting for just one of every three students. Students of color and those living in poverty or rural areas had an even lower probability Throughout the year, Florida supported of achieving proficiency. And this is before a projected COVID-19 learning loss. The research is clear. Young students need supports statewide assessments, eliminating the student performance data Just a few months ago, states were facing the challenge of teaching all students to read by the end of third grade. Now, they must also consider the impact of COVID-19 on fourth-grade reading readiness. Transitioning from learning to teachers with free online courses read to reading to learn in third grade is a significant milestone, and this unprecedented nationwide disruption to that determine whether students are ready to advance to fourth student learning will likely have long-term implications. and resources to become strong readers. By MISSING STATE END-OF-YEAR ASSESSMENT DATA through Florida Virtual School and by Because of COVID-19, the U.S. Department of Education approved state assessment waivers for all 50 states and D.C. grade. With further learning loss anticipated during the summer, for the 2019-2020 school year. These annual assessments serve several purposes, one of which is to gauge how much students learned during the year and whether they are ready for the next level of learning. waiving fees for certification exams, investing in early literacy, we are closing learning Approximately 16 states rely on students’ performance data from these assessments to determine whether students states faced even larger gaps among students in grade-level reading advance to fourth grade. Now that end-of-year assessment data will be missing. That loss coupled with summer learning loss will force teachers this fall to brace for larger gaps among grade-level reading readiness than ever before. which helped approximately 60,000 Unfortunately, not all states have enough options in their playbooks to respond adequately. gaps and securing Alabama’s future. Literacy is readiness. CHANGING THE “PLAY” IN THE FOURTH QUARTER teachers. Further, to maintain year- The 2019-2020 school year began with business as usual. Most students attended traditional brick and mortar schools, congregated with friends during class changes and attended sporting events to cheer on their school’s teams. The “fourth quarter” quickly shifted to remote learning at varying degrees of implementation and success. by-year data on student achievement fundamental to success across all fields of learning, In Arizona and Mississippi, for example, many third-grade students who were already meeting promotion requirements To help states identify and support struggling readers, especially for prior to the COVID-19 pandemic will likely be promoted to fourth grade. Unfortunately, some students who were not meeting those requirements may also be promoted. These decisions will be made by building-level principals in conjunction with teachers and, in some cases, parents. and target academic supports, Florida and Alabama is committed to preparing our early states without end-of-year assessment data, ExcelinEd published Meanwhile, North Carolina elementary and middle school students will not receive traditional grades at all. Instead, to address known inequities across districts, current teachers will provide and pass along academic and social/emotional strengths and weakness in a transition folder to the teacher(s) at the next grade level. successfully administered nearly learners to read so they are able to read to learn. COVID-19 Early Literacy Loss: Strategies for States. The policy brief Disparities among availability of resources have been amplified during the pandemic. In Chicago, districts that had already invested in technology for each student and where students were already familiar with online learning platforms encouraged their teachers to introduce new material. Some students are also able to receive one-on-one 900,000 assessments. includes 14 summer and fall-specific strategies for helping students. assistance from their teachers via “virtual office hours.” However, other students across the country who have been thrust into the world of remote learning have run into major challenges—including lack of access to technology devices, internet or the capacity by students and/or teachers to navigate the world of online learning. Those students are relying on learning-at-home packets that cover, at most, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey material which has already been taught and serve as an attempt to curtail significant learning loss.

From summer reading camps for students and professional development for educators in the science of reading to read-at-home www.ExcelinEd.org resources for families, parent engagement and implementing proven strategies for early identification of reading deficiencies, the brief offers states and districts approaches for establishing a new normal in literacy education.

24 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG 25 Empower Families with Opportunity NOT KNOWING WHETHER MY KID WOULD HAVE A CHANCE LIKE OTHER KIDS – AS A PARENT, THAT HURTS. I WANT HIM TO HAVE A CHANCE. PROVIDING FAMILIES WITH

ACCESS TO POLICY THE LEARNING SOLUTIONS ENVIRONMENT THAT BEST FITS Eliminate school district THEIR CHILD’S boundaries for families to enroll their children in any public school NEEDS in the state.

ONE FAMILY’S STORY: Add and expand high-quality public charter schools that HAGATA AND LUCCA are equitably funded. Hagata was a newly single Florida mom, putting herself through nursing school. She wanted a great education for her son, Lucca, but couldn’t afford to live in neighborhoods that had high-quality schools. She struggled each month with the pressure of paying rent and Allow all education dollars to utility bills and also paying for Lucca to attend a Montessori pre- follow the student regardless kindergarten where he was excelling. She wanted him to stay on a of which school they attend. successful track and begin his elementary education at the school. Hagata learned about Florida’s K-12 scholarship programs, the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship and Family Empowerment Scholarship, and immediately applied. But both of Florida’s income-based scholarship Level the playing field for programs were full that year, and Lucca was placed on a waitlist. special-needs and low-income families through education Hagata became an vigorous advocate for her son’s education. She scholarship accounts. and other parents asked Florida lawmakers to increase the number Demand for choice rose dramatically in 2020 as schools across the country closed their doors and families of available K-12 scholarships so that Lucca and more students could struggled to keep children learning. Yet even before the pandemic’s disruptions, far too many students were assigned to schools ill fitted to their learning needs. attend a school that works best for them. Expand opportunity for According to an August 2020 survey, more than two-thirds of parents supported the concept of educational A year later, in 2020, Florida choice. lawmakers added 29,000 underserved families through additional scholarships for scholarships funded by Yet options for families remain limited. While more than two dozen states now offer certain disadvantaged Florida’s families, and Lucca voluntary donations. students a private alternative to a neighborhood school, less than 1 percent of the 50.8 million K-12 students received the scholarship he nationwide actually have access to a private choice program. And for families seeking public options, more needed. He’s attending a school ­ than 1 million students remain on waitlists for access to a charter school. that’s a great fit, and he is on Parent demand for options is now higher than ever. And with proven benefits ranging from increased track for academic success. In Unbundle education at college attendance and taxpayer savings to academic improvement—even for students remaining in Hagata’s words, “We are very the course level. traditional schools—ExcelinEd is working to expand educational opportunities to everyone. grateful—our whole family—for this opportunity.”

26 1 https://www.federationforchildren.org/school-choice-polling/ ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG 27 Empower Families with Opportunity OKLAHOMA STATE HIGHLIGHTS Oklahoma’s Governor Kevin Stitt IDAHO Governor Brad Little used GEER funds strategically used CARES Act funds to directly support parents. More than 18,000 to expand online course access low-income families were eligible to receive up and safeguard school options for to $1,500 per child for educational resources and Leveraging this network THOUGHT LEADERSHIP HIGHLIGHT: underserved families. services. is definitely the way to ensure ESA ADMINISTRATORS NETWORK excellent customer service Learn Anywhere OK was newly created FLORIDA allocated $15 million in CARES Act Safety with a $12 million investment to provide Net funds to create private school stabilization ExcelinEd formed a first-of-its-kind ESA Administrator Network in for families and efficient unlimited, digital access for school grants for schools where more than 50% 2020 to support sound administrative practices across new and districts, students and families to a of the student body relied on school choice existing Education Scholarship Account (ESA) programs. operations for the states. diverse catalog of K-12 coursework, scholarships. And state leaders expanded public school The Network serves as a gathering space for administrators to share Kathryn Marker, Ph.D. including Advanced Placement subjects, options for military families and added $42 million knowledge, learnings and resources, identify national and state- Director, Grants, Training & Outreach which are often unavailable in rural in scholarship funding to serve +4,000 additional specific solutions, provide professional development for future North Carolina State Education areas. special needs students. Scholarship eligibility for administrators and deepen understanding of the policies, hallmarks Assistance Authority low-income families expanded to serve more than In the first months of the program, more and supports needed for successful ESA program 28,000 students. And Florida’s charter schools gained than 250 school districts participated in implementation. $170 million for facilities, serving more than 300,000 the new program. students. Seven states participated in the network’s first Oklahoma also invested $10 million to convenings: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, NORTH CAROLINA invested $6.5 million in create a Stay in School Fund, providing North Carolina and Texas, reviewing the latest grants to more than 2,500 families needing supplemental scholarships to assist federal stimulus packages and implications for private special education services, expanded eligibility for an anticipated 1,500 low-income schools, exploring opportunities for future ESA policy Opportunity Scholarships to more low-income families families with tuition payments. By advancement and addressing challenges in launching and, with a $22 million investment, helped more than helping economically hard-hit families new ESA programs. 3,800 students enroll in virtual charter schools. maintain stability for their children, the scholarships also protected local ARIZONA focused on its Native American districts from large, unplanned jumps in students by improving their eligibility for RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT: school enrollment. Empowerment Scholarships, while UTAH added a tax-credit scholarship program for students MYCHOICESINEDFL.ORG This was very helpful! with special needs, serving up to 1,700 students. ExcelinEd launched MyChoicesinEdFL.org, a one-of-its-kind parent My son has the McKay INDIANA successfully created funding equity for more than 90 charter schools in the state, elevating portal providing comprehensive information on Florida’s seven scholarship, but I wasn’t scholarship options for K-12 students. resources and support for the 40,000 students in aware of the reading those schools. The user-friendly site prompts parents to learn more about each scholarship. I have started of the state’s school choice programs and to complete an online TENNESSEE directed more than $37 million to survey to determine their child’s eligibilities. Parents with a range of completing the paperwork provide 5,000 students in Memphis and Nashville concerns can explore options for a child in a failing public school or for that process. The Stay in School program was a with education savings accounts. The program was struggling to read, a child who has been bullied or harassed, a child noteworthy success, allowing nearly not implemented following a constitutional challenge. who has special needs or any family seeking a private school option. One parent’s feedback 1,900 children to stay in their chosen school. The scholarship recipients were Personalized survey results are delivered directly to able to continue attending 97 different parents, with information on the programs for States around the nation are proving that private schools across the state, which they qualify and guidance on the application options for families translates into success including schools in more than a dozen process. rural counties. for students. We continue working in In the website’s first year, 81,000 unique users Indiana to expand opportunity for every visited MyChoicesinEdFL.org, 25,500 surveys were child and the chance to reach their full completed, with 600 families provided personalized potential in school and beyond. support. More than 84 percent of families completing the survey qualified for at least one of Speaker Todd Huston the state’s scholarship options. Indiana House of Representatives

28 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG 29 Strengthen Pathways to College + Career BETWEEN THE ACADEMIC RIGOR AND HIGH EXPECTATIONS, I KNOW I WILL BE PREPARED FOR COLLEGE. SUPPORTING EVERY STUDENT

IN GAINING IN- POLICY DEMAND SKILLS SOLUTIONS FOR LIFELONG SUCCESS Develop a continuum of policies and programs that support student pathways aligned with higher-skill and higher-wage jobs.

ONE STUDENT’S STORY: Blur the lines between high school and postsecondary JUSTUS AND COLLEGE ACCCELERATION through college acceleration and Like all young children, Justus wasn’t thinking about college when innovative school models. he started school. He spent his early years homeschooling and then attending a faith-based academy. But when it was time for high school, he clearly had his eyes on the future. Justus chose a college acceleration program, the Cambridge Support students in navigating International program, offered at his local high school in Gainesville, pathway options and through key Florida. He was hungry to be challenged, and even as a ninth transition points to college and grader took accelerated math and history courses. He also was career. excited about the many college-level STEM courses available in the program. Justus is a senior this year, and when he graduates in 2021, he’ll do so with more than just college credits on his transcript. He’ll also Connect data systems across Too many of our nation’s students are unprepared for what they will face after high school. To compete for have saved thousands of dollars in college tuition toward earning his secondary, postsecondary and jobs, they will need postsecondary credentials—either a college degree or technical skills and certifications, degree. workforce to know if students or both. In fact, 60 percent of the nation’s fastest-growing jobs require postsecondary work. and programs are successful. From Justus’ perspective, that’s not even the best part. Justus The challenge for states is to prepare K-12 students to advance successfully into college and career. believes his accelerated high school program has prepared him Currently, nearly 2 million first-year college students need remedial help and must spend time and money for the rigors of college-level coursework and the challenges in on remedial courses. Others lack access to career and technical training aligned with higher-skill, higher- achieving his career goal as a successful business entrepreneur. wage, in-demand jobs, diminishing their ability to rise and achieve. His high school’s college acceleration focus helps students earn It is when students are unprepared and employment pipelines run dry that jobs across hundreds of college-credits in courses ranging from Psychology to Marine industries go unfilled, and states—and our nation—suffer from unrealized economic growth. Science. So far, Justus’ favorite class was Global Perspectives and Creating high-quality college and career pathways for students is the answer. ExcelinEd promotes proven Research, where students study social trends and learn to evaluate policies that best equip graduates for the rigors of the college classroom and that align career readiness and the credibility of information sources. credentials to workforce needs. College and career pathway policies bring purpose to learning by allowing In less than a year, Justus will be in college, armed with college students to earn authenticated skill sets informed by labor market demand. Further, these policies improve credits and the personal strengths in academic ability, aspiration and educational equity by ensuring more rigorous courses are available and incentivized for all students. achievement that his efforts in high school have firmly established.

30 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG 31 Strengthen Pathways to College + Career INDIANA STATE HIGHLIGHTS With the Governors Emergency ALABAMA expanded college acceleration this Education Relief (GEER) funds, year with an investment of $2.5 million for dual Indiana’s Governor Eric Holcomb credit opportunities for students. They also dedicated $50 million to his Next Level continued to cover exam fees, totaling $7.4 THOUGHT LEADERSHIP HIGHLIGHT: Jobs program, increasing support for million, for low-income students taking Advanced learners seeking credentialing as well Placement courses. EDUCATION TO WORKFORCE CONTINUUM Building clear pathways as employers willing to train and hire instituted bonus funding incentives States and policymakers have become keenly aware that strong them. FLORIDA to better connect what for school districts when their students excel in economies depend on sound connections between education is learned in school with Next Level Jobs is one of the nation’s dual enrollment programs. successfully systems and America’s workforce. But most state initiatives GEORGIA most compelling retraining programs, took action to streamline its dual-credit program. to improve career pathways have focused on points along the what is actually needed in the with a comprehensive approach that continuum, such as student advising or apprenticeships. These efforts workplace can help prepare strengthened the connection incorporates two grants. One grant COLORADO do not recognize that states need a full ecosystem of policies, aligned between education and career by creating a students for a lifetime of provides free job training in one of programs and supports to give all students the opportunity to fulfill pathway for students to gain academic credit success. We want all students Indiana’s five high-demand job fields: their potential. for work-related experiences. Through the Advanced Manufacturing, Building to be workforce ready. College Credit for Work Experience program, To strengthen student pathways into higher-wage, in-demand and Construction, Health and Life students and adults can earn postsecondary careers, ExcelinEd conducted research to create a comprehensive Janet Ayers Sciences, IT and Business Services and ExcelinEd Board Member credit for competencies gained in internships Education to Workforce Continuum for states. It focuses on Transportation and Logistics. It pays President, The Ayers Foundation or apprenticeship programs. With additional comprehensive career roadmaps, with an analysis of the policies for all tuition and fees for qualifying pathways for gaining credit, students can earn needed to strengthen the learning continuum for students. high-value certificates at any eligible a certificate or degree more quickly, thereby training provider. An employer grant reducing their costs. is also available to help businesses RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT: fill in-demand positions, reimbursing KENTUCKY set attainment goals to help participating employers for employees increase participation in critical computer who are trained, hired and retained. CREDENTIALS MATTER Ensuring that the supply science courses by underrepresented groups. To improve workforce preparedness, WEST ExcelinEd’s work to improve college and career pathways continues In further actions to connect education of credentials is aligned VIRGINIA created a State Advisory Council on to be driven by workforce statistics and the limited preparedness of and the workforce, one of Indiana’s with the demand by Postsecondary Attainment Goals. today’s students. Last year, Credentials Matter research identified main technical colleges, Ivy Tech, that only 19% of credentials currently earned by K-12 students employers is fundamental developed a structured process for are in demand by employers. Yet the growth rate in jobs requiring to giving graduates a real learners to apply for reverse transfer postsecondary credentials is double—and sometimes more—the chance in their careers. degrees, helping students who leave growth rate of jobs requiring just a high school diploma. four-year universities early to earn Matt Sigelman associate degrees. Between 2016 and 2020, 9,000 Colorado Credentials do matter. ExcelinEd, in partnership with Burning Glass CEO, Burning Glass Technologies students gained industry-recognized To make this possible, Ivy Tech Technologies, continued the research in 2020 with data updates certifications aligned with in-demand jobs on credential attainment and workforce established agreements with all public demand. The findings show that just over four-year colleges and universities and industries, through just one of the many half of all states collect K-12 quantitative in the state, as well as many private innovative programs our state has funded data on credentials attainment. And no state institutions. In December 2020, Ivy to create and support a system of multiple in the nation is highly aligned in terms of Tech reached a milestone of awarding supply for credentials earned by students 1,000 credentials through reverse pathways to college and career. and demand for those credentials in the job transfer. market. Colorado Governor Jared Polis For students, that means schools are not preparing them well for successful futures after graduation. For policymakers, they need relevant data—accompanied by actionable policy—to change that.

32 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG 33 Reimagine Learning WITH EACH PROJECT, WE KNOW WHAT COMPETENCIES WE ARE EXPECTED TO MASTER. I CAN MOVE AT MY OWN PACE, BUT STILL GET ALL MY LEARNING DONE. TRANSFORMING THE WHEN,

WHERE AND POLICY HOW OF SOLUTIONS EDUCATION TO INDIVIDUALIZE Personalize learning with a flexible LEARNING path and pace to achieve mastery.

Fund education based on the ONE STUDENT’S STORY: value of learning instead of time spent in seats. KAITLYN AND PROJECT-BASED LEARNING When Kaitlyn started her junior year at Purdue Polytechnic High School, she immediately noticed the different learning style. Her Rethink traditional hiring practices school is a charter school created through a community partnership and allow teachers to bring school between Purdue University and the City of Indianapolis. to students. “At my old school, teachers said, ‘Here’s our lesson for today, and this is how we are going to do it.’” Kaitlyn often felt rushed and didn’t have the time to delve into the subject matter she was learning. And her grades suffered. Reconsider the structure of school to include new models such as PPHS is a school that uses hands-on and project-based learning, micro schools and learning pods. and it connects students to industry partnerships. Before every project begins—whether it’s a production plan for an upcoming robotics competition or creating a poetry anthology— America’s conventional, one-size-fits-all education system leaves too many students unengaged and Kaitlyn’s teachers are clear on the expected outcomes. Redesign 12th grade to include disconnected. High school graduation rates are at an all-time high, but students aren’t necessarily ready for what’s next. Eighty percent of today’s 15- to 17-year-olds lack work-based experience, and 50 percent of Almost immediately, Kaitlyn began to thrive. Having the agency to relevant postsecondary and career 4-year university students need remedial courses. These realities reveal that something isn’t quite right with chose projects that interested her made the learning experience experiences. how traditional K-12 education engages and prepares students. more personal. And not only did her grades improve, she became involved in three team sports. Schools and educators must put students at the center of learning, tailoring experiences to meet the unique strengths, interests and needs of individuals. Education should simultaneously develop students’ talents, She’s also a published author. Kaitlyn’s English Language Arts Provide credit for learning and help them master necessary knowledge and skills and cultivate valuable and relevant experiences. project – a series of poems with her classmates – was published in experiences earned outside 2020’s pandemic underscored that now, more than ever, education must be reimagined. Parents want 2020. of schools. normalcy—but not a return to normal. And as part of PPHS’s first graduating class, Kaitlyn will be leaving It’s time to rethink education, including flexible paths to academic mastery, credit for work experience and school not only with the skills to be successful in college and allowing students to learn anywhere. From delivery and pace to place and path, alternative learning models career, but with a lifelong love of learning. have become a necessity for a high-functioning, 21st-century education system that allows students to earn success and lead a fulfilled and purposeful life.

34 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG 35 Reimagine Learning NEW HAMPSHIRE STATE HIGHLIGHTS Education’s massive disruptions ARIZONA Governor Doug Ducey became in 2020 challenged states to one of the first governors to leverage GEER find new, high-quality solutions to funding for innovation grants. His $1 million sustain and accelerate learning. New investment in A for Arizona’s Expansion THOUGHT LEADERSHIP HIGHLIGHT: Hampshire’s student-focused strategies & Innovation Fund provides microgrants to have positioned the state as a leading K-12 schools that are innovating to best serve NETWORK OF STATE INNOVATION PARTNERS Partnering with ExcelinEd education innovator. their students. Notably, the microgrants ExcelinEd’s Network of State Innovation Partners serves as an enabled school leaders to accelerate innovative to share Utah’s story has New Hampshire’s innovations were ongoing forum for education leaders to advance innovation efforts learning for Arizona’s most vulnerable student expanded our network of state facilitated by state-level changes that in their states. Participants from 19 states engage to exchange populations. included flexibility from seat-time ideas, strategies and best practices for giving schools the support leaders and organizations constraints, a grading system that ’s more than 1,900 public schools now and flexibility to develop student-centered approaches to learning. across the country that INDIANA supports competency-based education have access to innovation opportunities with a In 2020, the network focused in-depth on COVID-19 response and pursue and support innovative and options for earning credit for learning new waiver application process. Waivers support the accelerated call nationwide for new and innovative ways to educational initiatives designed outside the classroom. innovation by expanding flexibility to prioritize meet learners’ needs. The network’s reach broadened to nearly 50 student-centered practices. They may be granted to better prepare students for INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIP participants from 24 states and 6 partner organizations. for constraints such as seat-time requirements, postsecondary success. Whether Then, to address learning loss with state-mandated curriculum and restrictions Each virtual convening during the year provided a platform schools closed, the state’s Department it’s policy, promising practices, around working with local industry. of Education created a partnership with for states to share the impacts of COVID-19 and the supports or partnerships, ExcelinEd is a needed to advance innovation and learning for students during a innovator Sal Khan’s new Schoolhouse. IDAHO continued its commitment to challenging year. trusted partner in facilitating world initiative, giving students access the state’s mastery-based education pilot connections that help inform to its peer-to-peer tutoring platform. program of 32 schools with an appropriation Discussions focused on strategies for leveraging data to inform Schoolhouse.world offers struggling of $350,000. This allows the pilot program decision making; robustly supporting the needs of special our next generation learning students free, unlimited access to to continue implementing student-centered education and English Language Learners; and developing effective efforts. individualized instruction as they work learning and to monitor the ongoing success strategies for communicating with families. to catch up. of the program. Sydney Young Education Specialist Additionally, by demonstrating subject Personalized Competency-Based Learning mastery and completing a module Utah State Board of Education RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT: through Khan Academy, students can also earn a certificate—and academic credit—as a tutor on the platform. FLEXIBILITY GUIDES TO ADVANCE INNOVATION Now is the time to reinvent education, The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of building expanding on the innovations our schools resilient, student-centered education systems with the flexibility explored in 2020. We must also keep building to personalize learning and meet the unique needs of students and We are thrilled that New Hampshire their communities. could become the inaugural launch out options for students that include digital state for this incredibly important access, classroom flexibility and meaningful An increasing number of states are now taking steps to reimagine learning and provide that flexibility. Often, districts and school platform. Sal Khan is a legend in pathways to success. leaders have more flexibility available than they realize. education. Now New Hampshire Arizona Governor Doug Ducey To address this, ExcelinEd collaborated with Utah, Illinois students will have access to this live and Indiana to develop state-specific guides that deepen the support and the ability to mentor understanding of district, school leaders and policymakers on the other students. It is a timely solution flexibility provided by their states. that addresses so many needs. Each guide shares a common goal, yet was designed to reflect the unique needs of each state to expand innovative, student-centered Frank Edelblut approaches to learning. New Hampshire Commissioner of Education

36 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG 37 Fiscal Accountability ExcelinEd 2020 Donors

AS WITH OUR FORMULA FOR STUDENT We often think of education reform as policies written in legislation or rules enacted by elected officials and appointed boards. Rather, reform is a profound game changer ACHIEVEMENT, THE FOUNDATION GOLD in the lives of individual children, a gift that allows them to maximize their potential. PARTICIPANT FOR EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION BELIEVES IN ACCOUNTABILITY AND We are deeply grateful to our donors who believe in the gift of a quality education, and TRANSPARENCY IN OUR OPERATIONS. with their generous support of our work, we are transforming policy and transforming lives.

As trusted stewards, we are committed to sound fiscal management and maximizing the use of every dollar toward policy solutions that Benificus The Chartrand are increasing student learning, advancing equity and readying graduates for college and career. Foundation Family Fund In 2020, 78 percent of ExcelinEd’s expenses were invested directly into our policy, advocacy and communications work to support Jaquelin Hume states in transforming education. Foundation

The C and A Johnson Family 2020 REVENUE & EXPENSES Foundation RAUNER 2020 REVENUE 2020 EXPENSES FAMILY FOUNDATION

Other Revenue Event Registrations Management & General Michael J. Ward 2.3% 0.4% 14.0% Individuals 2.3% Corporate Fundraising 3.8% 7.9% BHAG LLC John and Kimberly Kirtley

Crestview Advisors LLC The Crown and Kunkler Family

The Cobb Family Foundation The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation Kyra Solutions Dick and Betsy DeVos Family Foundation Lovett & Ruth Peters Foundation The Cobb Family Foundation Donald Dixon Stephenson Foundation Dr. Zachariah P. Zachariah Doris and Donald Fisher Fund William E. Simon Foundation

Foundations/Non-Profits Program Services Hubbard Family Foundation Spilker Family Charitable Fund 91.2% 78.1% Hicks Family Charitable Fund The Vestcor Family Foundation The Foundation for Excellence in Education is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Institute for Quality Education J. Wayne Weaver nonpartisan organization. To review our recent 990 filings, visit ExcelinEd.org/financials. Steve and Maureen Klinsky

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40 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 | EXCELINED.ORG