This month, the America Succeeds team came together in the gorgeous Colorado mountains for a staff retreat. Between cooking meals, completing strategic thinking sessions, and breaking out of a pirate-themed escape room, we returned to Denver feeling more connected and invigorated to continue our work of preparing learners for their dreams and jobs.
The Age of Agility is Making Its Way to Capitol Hill
America Succeeds and the Age of Agility report are being included in testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Investment as they explore how technology, artificial intelligence, and automation are shaping the future of work and how we might better prepare for the coming change. It’s the first time America Succeeds is being highlighted at the federal level. We’re excited about how this work continues to unfold.
Keep an eye out for additional updates in the coming weeks!
Affiliate News
ALIGNED
Aligned: A new infographic highlights how a series of incremental wins have amounted in a big difference for kids over the past 5 years.
ARKANSAS LEARNS
Arkansas Learns: Two weeks ago, a variety of Arkansas Learns’ hard-won initiatives were achieved with the Secretary of Education and at the State Board of Education regarding the reconstitution of the Little Rock School District, which has been in State control since January 28, 2015. From creating seven high school magnet options, a reconstitution of Little Rock Hall High School to create an intra-district school of choice, and more – read the news here.
BEST NC
BEST NC: This year, PIE Network recognized BEST NC as a Game Changer of the Year for their work on increasing student access to advanced math courses. They were also a finalist for Best Kept Secret for work on improving the school leadership pipeline. Check out BEST NC’s end-of-year video to learn more.
COLORADO SUCCEEDS
Colorado Succeeds: The Succeeds Prize brings together different stakeholder groups in education to elevate and reward what is working in Colorado.
The 2020 Succeeds Prize application is now available! This year, Colorado Succeeds has widened the focus of their search for the most innovative and impactful learning providers in Colorado. Applications are due January 31, 2020. Learn more about the application here.
IDAHO BUSINESS FOR EDUCATION (IBE)
IBE: This month, Governor Brad Little announced his appointment of IBE Vice Chair Kurt Liebich to the State Board of Education.
“I’m honored by this opportunity to serve Idaho students,” Liebich said. “Idaho’s public education system – across K-12, career technical education, and our community colleges and universities – is the foundation for Idahoans’ future prosperity. I am excited to continue my work on these important issues, now as a member of the State Board of Education.”
OKLAHOMA ACHIEVES
Oklahoma Achieves: Executive Director Ryan Walters was featured in a recent article that highlighted how the former full-time McAlester High School teacher now leads a blended AP history course there, which provides an engaging and effective way for students to grasp the material. Read the article here.
In Case You Missed It…
In late November, our team attended the ExcelinEd National Summit. There, we connected with peers from across the country and heard from education thought leaders who shared their ideas on what it will take to achieve a high-quality, student-centered education system and what’s next in education reform.
One of our favorite sessions was the #FutureOfWork strategy session, which highlighted how we can reimagine high schools—and the state and local policies that guide them—to ensure all students graduate with the full breadth of skills and knowledge they need to be ready to succeed in college, in career, and in life after high school.
Check out the highlights from #EIE19 below.
As always, thank you for your continued support, and happy holidays!