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We enjoyed being with colleagues who share our commitment to applying #EdResearch to practice. These @wested.org experts discussed evaluating bias, using observation data, supporting dually enrolled students, and leveraging evidence from one state's reading improvement plan policy.

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 18h

WestEd experts discussed a wide range of topics to improve outcomes for every learner at the 2026 SREE Conference! 🤩 We shared evidence-based insights on culturally responsive edtech, faculty professional development, high-dosage tutoring and AI literacy in math education, and more! 🧵⤵️

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 10/07/2026

1/5 WestEd helps districts and states manage complex funding, reporting, and policy requirements. That work led WestEd's Jason Willis to a notable finding: the instructions for California's LCAP grew 800% in word count over the past decade. Thread below 🧵

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 07/07/2026

Literacy outcomes depend on more than one kind of support, and WestEd just brought those kinds of support together in one new suite for TK–5 literacy: Language, Literacy, and Learning. Curriculum, coaching, professional learning, and leadership each play a part in how well students learn to read,

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 26/06/2026

5/5 Thank you to the partners, state leaders & colleagues who shaped these sessions #StudentAssessment #K12Assessment #Psychometrics #EdMeasurement

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 26/06/2026

3/4 One theme ran through it all: assessment works best when it generates real insights that inform and improve practice. Turning assessment data into better decisions for student learning is some of the most complex work in education right now.

A group of fifteen people posing together inside a restaurant with a modern interior and large windows. The group stands under hanging lights, and everyone is smiling toward the camera. They appear to be attending a professional gathering or event. Full WestEd Team (missing Danny Torres and Amy Washburn).

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 26/06/2026

2/4 Our experts covered a range of topics, including: ▪️ State leaders from Indiana, California & Arkansas on early literacy screening ▪️ Links between accountability design & school improvement ▪️ AI in assessment—from item-difficulty prediction to generative AI in item development

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 26/06/2026

At #NCSA2026, WestEd led and co-led sessions on strengthening assessment systems, improving the instructional use of data, and how emerging tools are shaping the future of K–12 assessment. As a Gold Sponsor of the event hosted by @CCSSO, here's what we explored 🧵

Mel Wylen, Mitch Herz, both with WestEd, and Benjamin Boer with EdSystems.

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 26/06/2026

How can states do a better job connecting kids that are facing homelessness, foster care, migrant moves & the justice system with support? A new WestEd + UCLA brief looks at Colorado & Washington: what's working, and six ways to build on it.

A digital cover image of a report titled, "Highly Mobile Youth: How State Policy and Local Implementation Can Work Together to Support Youth." The cover includes a map with a highlighted central region and smiling children in small circular frames. Logos for American Institutes for Research, WestEd, and UCLA Center for Transformation of Schools are at the bottom.

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 25/06/2026

What if young people aren't avoiding services—but navigating systems that make support hard to reach? 🧵👇

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 25/06/2026

When the federal rules your school-rating system was built around suddenly move, what happens to your system? That's the question Indiana just put on the table for every state. On June 16, the U.S. Department of Education approved Indiana's waiver loosening a core ESSA rule—

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 24/06/2026

We keep giving students more tests. We aren't learning more about them. WestEd's Sarah Quesen explains why in her latest post: schools add assessments but never retire them, the tests are built on different scales so they contradict each other, and no one's shown how the results fit together.

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 23/06/2026

The best edtech doesn't replace good teaching—it amplifies it. So how do we keep the human connection at the center as classrooms adopt new technology? 🧵👇

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 22/06/2026

1/4 Good reporting helps education leaders make smarter decisions for students. The catch: not every requirement delivers that value. So how do you tell the difference? 🧵

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 20/06/2026

Congratulations to our colleague Dr. Niki Sandoval, a 2026 Hancock Honors recipient. A first-gen grad who started at Allan Hancock College and earned her doctorate at UC Santa Barbara.

The image features a person with gray hair smiling, wearing a black jacket and red top, positioned on the right. The background is a gradient of blue and green with geometric patterns. Text reads, "WestEd 60 Years. Congratulations Dr. Niki Sandoval! 2026 Hancock Honors Recipient.

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 18/06/2026

“Our work is grounded in the real challenges that states and districts face every day, and I see that focus here in the folks at WestEd.” —Hannah Guevara, Policy Manager As a joint powers authority, WestEd partners with state and local leaders so policy and research respond to on-the-ground needs.

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 17/06/2026

1/4 What does it take to move from short-term initiatives to lasting instructional change? For Assistant Superintendent Dr. Kevin Gallick, the path began with a clear focus on literacy.

The image is a promotional graphic featuring a presentation titled "How an Illinois Assistant Superintendent Made Literacy a Path Back to Engagement and Trust." It includes a photo of Kevin Gallick, EdD, identified as the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services at Rich Township High School District 227. The background shows a group of people sitting and reading in a circle. Logos for WestEd and "In Their Words, Partner Stories" are at the bottom.

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 14/06/2026

Delta Academy serves students who've faced bullying, school phobia, housing instability, and learning challenges. Three years of low ratings threatened the school's existence.

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 13/06/2026

Leading a school or district takes more than vision. It takes the people skills to bring others along. Coaching, team-building, facilitation, trust. The kind of leadership that holds a system together. WestEd's Leadership Playbook is a free six-session research-based series that helps school

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 09/06/2026

Assessment data that doesn't reach classrooms. Accountability systems disconnected from improvement. AI tools that are hard to evaluate with confidence. These are real challenges for state and district leaders right now. WestEd's assessment team is presenting four sessions at #NCSA2026

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 04/06/2026

Phonics builds the foundation. But what makes a child *want* to read? 📚 Literacy expert Misty Sailors joins the Leading Voices podcast to explore how school leaders can build a K–5 culture of literacy that students, educators, and visitors can *feel* the moment they walk in.

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 03/06/2026

Phonics matters. So does helping kids actually want to read. Episode 22 of Leading Voices features literacy researcher Misty Sailors on building a K-5 culture of literacy. She covers disciplinary literacy, teacher agency, authentic texts, and practical strategies school leaders can use right now.

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 02/06/2026

Summer learning loss isn't inevitable. The research is pretty clear on that. Rachel Tripathy from our literacy research team is joining @BookTrust's free virtual discussion circle June 2 to break down what the evidence actually says about the summer slide and what works to address it.

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 01/06/2026

Every summer, educators gather to focus on one shared goal: helping English learners access rigorous learning where language and content develop together.

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 29/05/2026

Educators across the country are reimagining high school math, and WestEd is building something to meet that moment. ISQR is a new 3rd/4th-year high school math course is built around real-world data and hands-on projects, designed for all students regardless of postsecondary path.

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 27/05/2026

Enroll in Reading Apprenticeship sessions in IL + CA for teachers who want students reading, thinking, and making meaning with confidence. Writing Apprenticeship gives students tools to communicate with intention across every discipline. 👉 RA: bit.ly/3PtGX3Q 👉 WA: bit.ly/3HHuV3b #EdSky #Literacy

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 23/05/2026

Some of the most motivated learners anywhere are adults who decided to come back to education. WestEd built a math course around that person — and then made it free. ande-oer.wested.org #AdultEducation #Numeracy

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 22/05/2026

Headed to the First 1,000 Days! Early Head Start Conference? Kick it off with WestEd's pre-conference workshop on child-directed play for 2- and 3-year olds. #EarlyHeadStart #PlayBasedLearning

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 21/05/2026

Reading Apprenticeship & Writing Apprenticeship are built on the same research foundation. Metacognition, apprenticeship learning, disciplinary literacy. One for reading. One for writing. Both designed for real classrooms. Reading Apprenticeship: bit.ly/3PtGX3Q Writing Apprenticeship: bit.ly/3HHuV3b

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 19/05/2026

When students do the thinking: → more engagement → deeper understanding → less dependence on the teacher Reading Apprenticeship does this for reading. Writing Apprenticeship does it for writing. They're built to work together. 👉 Register for RA: bit.ly/3PtGX3Q 👉 Learn about WA: bit.ly/3HHuV3b

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 18/05/2026

K–12 math educators: spend five Wednesdays this summer building AI-powered teaching tools connected directly to your curriculum. No prior AI experience needed. Each session, you leave with something you can use. bit.ly/4vWmSnn #AIintheClassroom #MathTeachers #MathEducation #EdTech

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 16/05/2026

WestEd & CalSCHLS are hosting a webinar on which CHKS indicators connect to California's Community Schools Framework and how to use dashboards and survey data to monitor progress. May 21 | 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. PT | Free Register: bit.ly/4uQsGNB #CommunitySchools #CHKS #CalSCHLS #CaliforniaSchools

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 15/05/2026

Sustaining school-based healthcare requires lasting funding, not just one-time grants. WestEd’s Lisa Eisenberg talks with Marley Arechiga on Leading Voices about leveraging Medicaid, braiding funding, and practical steps for district leaders. Listen: [LINK] #SchoolBasedHealth

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 15/05/2026

Working with infants and toddlers starts in small moments—watching responses, noticing patterns, and adjusting plans. Join our 4-session summer training for educators working with children birth to age 3. Applications due July 31. Link: www.pitc.org/training/cal... #InfantToddlerCare #EarlyChildhood

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 14/05/2026

Great districts are built by leaders who never stop improving. And who know how to bring their principals along with them. That culture of continuous improvement? It's a skill. And it can be learned. Enrollment ends 5/14. Is your district in? bit.ly/4wu7miX #PrincipalSupport #EducationalLeadership

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 12/05/2026

What does quality look like through a baby’s eyes? Bianca Reyes & Kerry Kriener‑Althen (WestEd PITC PARS) will share observation tools and reflective strategies for infant/toddler care. Indiana Early Childhood Conference, May 15–16. Register: bit.ly/48mBZMN #EarlyChildhood #InfantToddlerCare

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 11/05/2026

You hired great principals. You trust them. But when's the last time someone invested in the leaders supporting them? Connecticut superintendents are finding the answer — and spaces are almost gone. Don't miss this window. bit.ly/4wu7miX #CTed #PrincipalSupport #EducationalLeadership

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 10/05/2026

The language you use shapes how you feel, lead, and show up for students. Join Dr. Marissa Smith for a free 20-minute session on using intentional language to build emotional resilience and shift school culture. May 13, 2 PM. bit.ly/4t9ciXs #EducatorWellbeing #MindfulLeadership #SchoolCulture

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 07/05/2026

Principals shape schools. But who shapes principals? The Supervisors of Principals' Academy (SOPA) is a seven-month network for central office leaders who coach and evaluate principals — and want to do it better. Now enrolling in Arizona and Connecticut.

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 06/05/2026

In our WestEd at 60 series, Ann Edwards, Senior Director of Mathematics, Science and Engineering, shares her story of finding a place where research and real-world impact come together. Learn more at WestEd.org #STEMLeadership #WestEdAt60

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 05/05/2026

#QTEL's 2026 Summer Institute brings K–12 educators together in California and Texas for four days of hands-on instructional practice built around English and Multilingual Learners. Build community. Deepen impact. bit.ly/4erJzcA Link: bit.ly/4erJzcA #EnglishLearners #ELLEducation #SummerInstitute

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 05/05/2026

WestEd’s Juan Carlos Bojorquez and Thomas Torre Gibney facilitated a panel at the 2026 Magnet Schools of America conference in San Diego with Albuquerque Public Schools and Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, highlighting district collaboration and student access to career pathways.

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 02/05/2026

Where are the most important conversations in education happening this May? WestEd experts are taking the stage nationwide—sharing strategies to improve learning systems, expand opportunity, and better support learners. 📍 Conferences + webinars across the U.S. See where we’ll be: bit.ly/4tKvfRu

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 29/04/2026

How do we better meet the needs of Tribal students? Niki Sandoval partners with Tribal and government leaders to target resources, tackle infrastructure barriers, and boost education and economic mobility. Learn more at WestEd.org. #TribalEd #EducationJustice

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 28/04/2026

Enrollment for the NURTURES study is open to 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms in Georgia! NURTURES has been shown to improve teacher content knowledge and confidence while improving student achievement in science, math, and literacy. Join an info session to learn more: nurturesprogram.com/eir/

This image is a promotional graphic for Nurtures, featuring a tree with educational icons. It invites Georgia 2nd-3rd grade teachers to join an info session. The text highlights research on professional development and family engagement in PreK–3 education to enhance STEM learning. The website link provides more information.

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 13/04/2026

NURTURES at the University of Toledo is recruiting 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms in Georgia for a STEM-focused research-based program. NURTURES consists of an online summer institute, virtual PLC meetings during the school year, and family engagement materials. Learn more: nurturesprogram.com/eir/

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 03/04/2026

WestEd is looking forward to connecting with some of our nation's leading education researchers, scholars, and practitioners next week at the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME) meetings. Our #AERA2026 sessions: bit.ly/41KnVsp

A conference announcement for WestEd at AERA & NCME 2026. Includes logos for AERA, NCME, and WestEd. Located in Los Angeles, California, from April 8–12, 2026, with a city skyline and mountains illustration in the background.

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 31/03/2026

NURTURES at the University of Toledo, an award-winning STEM-focused research-based program, is raising the bar on children’s achievement in science, math and reading. Learn more about how we’re partnering with 2nd and 3rd classrooms in Georgia here: nurturesprogram.com/eir/ #Science #EarlyEd

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 18/03/2026

NURTURES at the University of Toledo is an award-winning STEM-focused research-based program that is raising the bar on children’s achievement in science, math and reading. ➡️ Learn more about how we’re partnering with 2nd and 3rd classrooms in Georgia here: nurturesprogram.com/eir/

Promotional graphic for the Nurtures impact study. Text reads: "Calling all Georgia 2nd–3rd grade teachers! Join the 2026–2028 Nurtures impact study. Join an info session!

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WestEd.org @wested.org · 11/03/2026

Leaders: Ready to drive school and district transformation? The latest @wested.org E-Bulletin highlights effective strategies to lead sustainable, systemwide change. 📖 Subscribe and read it here: bit.ly/4bCXquN

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