May 5, 2026

The April 2026 AESA State Examiner takes a closer look at a question gaining momentum in education policy circles: Is math the next science of reading? As states respond to persistent achievement gaps, they are beginning to pursue more coordinated, research-driven approaches to math instruction—mirroring the urgency and alignment seen in recent literacy reforms. The latest report provides a national scan of these efforts and what they signal for ESAs and the systems they support.

AESA is currently offering three leadership academies, each designed to meet different needs and leadership contexts.

Each academy offers a distinct experience. Consider which is the best fit for you and take the next step to get involved!

The world needs leaders who can operate globally with confidence, clarity, and integrity. To support that vision, AESA is offering a series of “Ask Jason” live webinar discussions with Jason Hiruo, Chief Global Officer.

Join the conversation and learn how AESA Global Coordinator Training prepares leaders to build meaningful international partnerships and expand opportunities for students and educators.

Upcoming sessions:

• May 29, 2026 | 2:00 PM ET
• June 24, 2026 | 2:00 PM ET

We've had several HS team groups show their interest for the upcoming Global Research & Education Project. This virtual international STEM research experience, offered through AESA Global, partners with South Korea’s KOSAC and schools around the world. Participating schools may register one or more teams (up to 10 students per team), each led by a supervising educator. An optional in-person exchange in South Korea is also planned for November 2026.

Applications are due this Friday, May 8.

Due to the short timeline, interested schools should contact Meimei Zou, AESA Global Director of Projects, to coordinate participation.

Earlier this year, the AESA Leadership team toured Garner Holt Education Through Imagination—and it left a lasting impression. Now, we’re bringing that same inspiring experience to our members at the 2026 Summer Leadership Conference.

On the final day, take part in a special learning tour inspired by the animatronics behind iconic attractions like It’s a Small World and Pirates of the Caribbean (some featured in the video!) ↓

See how engineering, creativity, and storytelling come together to engage students in real-world problem solving—sparking curiosity and opening doors to career exploration.

For ESA leaders, it’s a compelling look at how innovation, career-connected learning, and partnerships can elevate student engagement.

Join us July 14–16 in Riverside, CA and experience it for yourself.

We’re pleased to welcome Northeast Wyoming BOCES back to AESA membership. The agency is led by Executive Director Noamie Niemitalo and serves schools across the region with a commitment to collaboration and educational excellence.

We’re glad to have Northeast Wyoming BOCES rejoin the AESA network!

Indiana’s Educational Service Centers (ESCs) are coming together to simplify and strengthen student data privacy through the SDPC Indiana Alliance. Developed and led by the Central Indiana Educational Service Center (CIESC) and Northern Indiana Educational Service Center (NIESC), the initiative is now supported by all nine ESCs, providing schools with a shared system to manage data privacy more efficiently.

By offering a centralized database of vetted vendors and a standardized Data Privacy Agreement, the alliance reduces the need for costly, duplicative legal reviews while ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. This collaborative approach not only saves districts time and money, but also helps build stronger data protection practices statewide and supports progress toward national recognition through the CoSN Trusted Learning Environment Seal.

As discussions continue around the FCC’s decision to implement a new competitive bidding portal for the E-Rate program, AESA is closely monitoring the potential impact on our members and the broader education community. As a member of the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition, AESA shares concerns about how these changes may affect K–12 schools and libraries. Read the SHLB Coalition press release.

AESA Executive Director Joan Wade serves on the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) Board, which oversees the E-Rate program. In that role, she is committed to helping ensure that stakeholder perspectives—including those of AESA members, as well as schools and libraries—are represented as the new competitive portal is developed.

Join us Thursday, May 21 at 2:00 pm ET for a live Q&A on how myPlanMember™ helps districts support and engage employees—at no cost.* Bring your questions and see how this all-in-one platform delivers financial, wellness, and communication tools to strengthen staff well-being.

*Available where PlanMember is an approved provider.

Project Tomorrow is currently administering the 2026 K–12 Cybersecurity Survey, part of a five-year national research initiative in partnership with iboss. This study is tracking how school districts are experiencing and responding to evolving cyber threats—and AESA members have an opportunity to ensure their perspectives are represented in the national conversation.

What AESA members gain:

• AESA-specific data insights: Use our dedicated link to ensure your network’s participation is captured. AESA will receive an aggregated data brief with insights your ESAs can immediately apply.
  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CyberAESA
  
  
• Access to a national peer network: Participation includes entry into the Project Tomorrow K–12 Cybersecurity Working Group, sponsored by iboss—a complimentary peer exchange running through November 2026 for CTOs, CISOs, and technology directors. ESAs are encouraged to extend this opportunity to their districts.

The survey closes August 31, 2026. Broad participation from AESA members will help ensure ESAs and the districts they support are strongly represented in this important national research.