June 2, 2026

This one-day workshop on July 14 gives teams simple, practical tools to improve pricing decisions, test ideas before broader implementation, and identify new opportunities for growth.
Separate registration applies. Register here>>

This professional development series is designed for ESA staff serving in operational leadership roles. Facilitator Anders Lindgren will lead an in-person breakout session for individuals interested in learning more about the program before committing to the lab. 

Join the lab>>

Join the lab>>

(And learn how your K-12 and community partners can join!)

A major component of the investment is the Global Systems Lab in Vienna and Budapest, which is included in tuition. This is far more than a “trip.” It is an immersive leadership experience focused on comparative leadership, innovation, workforce development, cultural intelligence, and systems design. Participants will study how other systems organize public value, build partnerships, and respond to change — and then apply those insights directly to their own agencies.

Student behavioral health continues to gain attention in state policy discussions, bringing new focus to special education, student discipline, staffing, and school support systems.

The latest State Examiner issue explores how states are responding and the important role ESAs can play in helping districts meet evolving student needs. The issue also includes an advocacy tip on the third leg of the advocacy stool: campaign contributions.

In 2025, Tere Masiarchin of CESA 2 was recognized for her exceptional dedication through the creation and expansion of the CLASS program, a flexible and accessible licensure pathway that has helped more than 360 aspiring educators earn credentials in Wisconsin. 

AESA members are invited to attend the Institute for Inclusive Learning at no cost. This three-day professional learning experience brings educators and leaders together to explore practical strategies for building inclusive, student-centered schools.

This year's theme, Reclaiming the Why: Anchored in Purpose and Progress, focuses on actionable approaches that promote equity, inclusion, and meaningful change in classrooms, schools, and districts.

Participants will engage in workshops, collaborative learning sessions, and discussions designed to support inclusive practices and improve outcomes for all learners.

Highlights include:

• Practical strategies for creating inclusive learning environments
• Collaborative workshops and networking opportunities
• Time for reflection, planning, and team learning
• Opening keynote by nationally recognized educator and author Cornelius Minor
• Optional Day 3 field trip to New York City's Tenement Museum

Whether attending individually or as part of a team, this Institute offers valuable opportunities to learn, connect, and strengthen your impact. Registration information and additional details will be available soon.

Project Unicorn’s annual School System Data Survey (SSDS) helps the education sector better understand K–12 data capabilities and infrastructure, providing critical insights to policymakers, EdTech providers, and school leaders. Using only aggregate, non-identifiable data, the survey informs national efforts to improve interoperability, privacy, cybersecurity, and digital access and shapes Project Unicorn’s annual State of the Sector Report (2025).

Why participate?

• Personalized support: Free 1:1 technical assistance with a Project Unicorn expert
• Early insights: Advance access to the State of the Sector Report and pre-release briefing
• Incentive: Complete the survey by June 30 to receive a $15 gift card

Your participation helps strengthen a modern, secure, and effective EdTech ecosystem nationwide.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) issued two new “Dear Colleague” letters emphasizing existing funding flexibility in Title V of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Similar to other ESEA guidance published by ED over the last year, the letters do not establish any new requirements or flexibility but rather encourage States and local educational agencies (LEAs) to take advantage of flexibility permitted under existing law. Read both letters and our breakdown here.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a new advisory on children’s screen use. The HHS report is technically an advisory that makes recommendations, but stops short of having legal impact. Warning on the Harms of Screen Use is a toolkit intended to guide decision making and has a focus on specific aspects of excessive/unstructured screen time, especially social media, entertainment content, and cellphone use. Top level takeaways here.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a proposed rule to eliminate requirements for increased wages and benefits for Head Start staff. These requirements were established in a 2024 regulation under the Biden Administration but did not go into effect until 2028 or later. Read specifics here.

Approximately 20,000 educators nationwide hold work authorization through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Ongoing delays in DACA renewal processing could create staffing challenges for school districts and threaten workforce stability. Learn more about the delays and how district leaders can support affected employees here.

The Voting Rights Act has for decades given parents and others a pathway to change the institutions that have the most day-to-day control over American schools: their local school boards. But the Supreme Court’s April decision in Louisiana v. Callais, which has kicked off a rush of partisan redistricting that threatens Black representation in Congress, could make it harder to demand changes in how school boards are organized going forward. More on Chalkbeat.

If leaders want better math results, they must first address educator mindsets about who can succeed in math and normalize productive struggle as part of learning. Strong results come from shared instructional vision, intellectual preparation for teachers, formative assessment, and accessible tasks with multiple entry points. More on Getting Smart.