Aligned

Attracting and retaining top teaching talent is crucial for our schools. In 2024, Aligned spearheaded policy changes that offer new compensation models tailored to the needs of hard-to-staff subjects and?hard-to-fill positions. By shifting away from traditional “step and lane” salary schedules, we’re empowering districts to recognize and reward teacher expertise.? This innovative approach is already making a difference in recruitment and retention, ensuring that our classrooms are led by passionate and skilled educators who can truly inspire our students. Please connect with us if you’d like to learn more.?wearealigned.org? . . #TeacherRetention #EducationReform #EveryStudentPrepared #AlignedForChange

???This Week's Newsletter is Out! In our latest issue, we?take a closer look?at key topics shaping education policy in Missouri and Kansas: ???Federal Layoffs Raise Big Questions:?As funding uncertainties loom, we explore what recent federal layoffs could mean for education policy and programs. ???Debunking Open Enrollment Myths:?Misconceptions about open enrollment often cloud meaningful discussions. We break down the facts to clarify what it really means for families and schools. ???Kansas Update: Aligned's Role in HB 2303 and the SLDS:?We've received questions about our role in Kansas' proposed Statewide Longitudinal Data System (SLDS). We're setting the record straight: Aligned is not a vendor, government agency, or implementer. Our focus has been to ensure policymakers have access to data-driven insights to inform better education and workforce policies. ???Read the full newsletter here:?https://lnkd.in/gk37__pS #EducationPolicy #MissouriEducation #KansasEducation #EducationAdvocacy #OpenEnrollment #DataDrivenDecisionMaking

Data drives decision-making...and that’s why Aligned is championing the development of robust State Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDS) in Kansas. By securely connecting education, workforce, and other critical data, these systems empower policymakers and educators with insights to improve program effectiveness. With better data, we can pinpoint what works, address gaps more efficiently, and ultimately ensure students are on the right path from cradle to career. Be sure you’re signed up for our weekly newsletters for timely updates: https://lnkd.in/dVWdxkVV? #DataDriven #EducationPolicy #EveryStudentPrepared #AlignedForChange?

In 2024, we made history in early childhood education by doubling the state investment in pre-kindergarten programs. This achievement isn’t just a number—it’s the result of a decade of efforts to expand access and?quality of early learning for thousands of Missouri’s young learners. By partnering with child advocacy groups and influencing key legislative changes, Aligned is ensuring that every child, especially those from low-income families, starts school with a strong foundation. We’re proud of this milestone and excited about the future of early childhood education. Read more in our annual report: https://lnkd.in/gjNqPnMR? . . #EarlyLearning #EducationReform #EveryStudentPrepared #AlignedForChange?Torree Pederson Linda Rallo Jim Malle Claudia Fury-Aguirre Eric Syverson, MPA

What exactly is open enrollment? This policy enables families to choose public schools outside their home districts, potentially expanding access to quality education. However, some have voiced concerns about how the policy would affect district funding and stability. Learn about the pros and cons of open enrollment: https://lnkd.in/gaXRjk5G #EducationEquity #SchoolChoice #PolicyInsights #AlignedForChange

Aligned is?the only nonprofit, nonpartisan business coalition dedicated to dismantling barriers in education, bolstering early learning, and building a future-ready workforce across Kansas and Missouri. We’re committed to advancing policies that ensure every student is prepared.? Join us in driving transformative change in education. Discover how you and your organization can make an impact at wearealigned.org #EducationData #PolicyInsights #StudentSuccess #AlignedForChange?Torree Pederson Linda Rallo Jim Malle Claudia Fury-Aguirre Eric Syverson, MPA

Want to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to the newest developments in education reform? Our News page is your go-to source for the latest info?in education reform across Kansas and Missouri. From local success stories to real-time policy updates, our weekly updates share what we’re seeing in the Capital. Sign up to get the latest in policy action reshaping the future of education: https://lnkd.in/dVWdxkVV #EducationReform #PolicyUpdates??

From day one, we’ve been on a mission to change the future of education across Kansas and Missouri. With a proven track record of bold steps, strategic partnerships, and student-centered policies, Aligned has worked tirelessly to create a foundation that will lead students to the future of their choice. See how a more than a decade of incremental wins has positioned us to lead the future of ed reform in Kansas and Missouri. https://lnkd.in/gBp_QMdj #EducationReform #AlignedForChange #BetterFuture #EducationMatters

Ready to master education finance? Join Aligned, Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy and Edunomics Lab at Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City this June for the Edumonics Certificate Course. Learn about cost drivers, policy impacts, and more while earning professional credits. Register today to secure your spot: https://lnkd.in/g6Uqywu5 #EducationFinance #ProfessionalDevelopment #Edumonics #AlignedForChange Torree Pederson Linda Rallo Jim Malle Claudia Fury-Aguirre Eric Syverson, MPA Kids Win Missouri Operation Breakthrough Missouri Children's Trust Fund City of Kansas City, MO

Our 2024 Annual Report is now available! Learn how Aligned has advanced education reform, supported early care initiatives, and bolstered workforce readiness across Missouri and Kansas. Read the full report and join our journey forward: https://lnkd.in/gjNqPnMR #AnnualReport #EducationReform #ImpactReport #AlignedForChange? Torree Pederson Linda Rallo Jim Malle Claudia Fury-Aguirre Eric Syverson, MPA