Audience: Researchers at PIE Network member organizations Join the Research Working Group’s September meeting! This community of practice, created especially for PIE Network members working in research roles, will meet to debrief recent legislative sessions. It’s an opportunity to learn more about work happening in other states, discuss research and advocacy strategies, learn from others’ […]
Program: Advocacy & Organizing Supports
Following the Funds: Federal Special Education Dollars, Policy Shifts, and Advocacy Opportunities
Audience: Staff at PIE Network member organizations Federal special education funding plays a critical role in ensuring students with disabilities receive the services they need — but the system is complex and evolving. This session will unpack how federal dollars flow to states and districts, explore current proposals that could shift funding and oversight, and […]
Influencing State Action Amid Increasing Flexibility
Audience: Executive Directors or Executive Director Designees The U.S. Department of Education is considering providing states increased flexibility with funds and some policies. While we don’t yet know the exact form these flexibilities will take, we do know it’s important for state and city-level advocates to begin thinking about how to ensure that any new state […]
Federal Policy Forecasts: What Advocates Need to Know (March)
Monthly Federal Policy Forecasts: What Advocates Need to Know will feature policy expert Lindsay Fryer (Lodestone DC) for a monthly deep dive into the shifting landscape of federal education policy. These conversations will provide timely insights into how evolving political dynamics in the White House, Congress, and the U.S. Department of Education may impact education policy nationwide. Lindsay […]
Federal Policy Forecasts: What Advocates Need to Know (April)
Monthly Federal Policy Forecasts: What Advocates Need to Know will feature policy expert Lindsay Fryer (Lodestone DC) for a monthly deep dive into the shifting landscape of federal education policy. These conversations will provide timely insights into how evolving political dynamics in the White House, Congress, and the U.S. Department of Education may impact education policy nationwide. Lindsay […]
What Comes Next: Federal Nutrition and Health Policy Shifts—What Education Advocates Should Know
Congress is considering a range of changes to federal safety net programs that could affect how services are delivered to students and families and have a significant impact on state, district, and charter school finances. Some proposals may shift funding responsibilities to states, adjust eligibility requirements, or introduce new administrative processes for schools and districts. […]
What Comes Next: Preparing for Federal Funding Flexibility
How should state and local advocates prepare to influence spending decisions if states are given more flexibility to spend federal funds? What is clearly required by law and what flexibilities do states already have that advocates can help states leverage effectively? In this discussion, Anne Hyslop (All4Ed), Rebecca Sibilia (EdFund), Jennifer O’Neal Schiess (Bellwether), and Bonnie O’Keefe (Bellwether) will share an overview of […]
What Comes Next: The Future of Charter Schools – What Advocates Need to Know About the Upcoming Supreme Court Case
On April 30, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School v. Drummond, a case stemming from Oklahoma’s approval—and later rejection—of a religious charter school. The outcome could have nationwide implications for charter authorizing, including student protections, public funding, and potential moratoriums. Timed just around the expected decision date, join us […]
Alabama’s New Funding Formula: A Conversation with Advocacy Leaders
Alabama leaders made big moves in the 2025 legislative session, passing major legislation to modernize its education finance system and direct resources where they are needed most. The RAISE Act–the first significant update to the state’s formula in 30 years–creates a new hybrid funding formula to target student needs, and includes weights for special education, […]
Monthly Federal Policy Forecasts: What Advocates Need to Know
Audience: Network EDs or ED Designee Join policy expert Lindsay Fryer (Lodestone DC) for a monthly deep dive into the shifting landscape of federal education policy. These conversations will provide timely insights into how evolving political dynamics in the White House, Congress, and the U.S. Department of Education may impact education policy nationwide. Lindsay will break down […]