Education First helps philanthropic, state and district leaders understand the political and regulatory landscape, translate research into policy positions and convene the coalitions that make change durable. We track shifting federal and state policy in real time to help funders and agencies decide where and how to act.
When federal education policy shifted rapidly in early 2025, we launched Facts in the Flood, a running analysis of executive actions, funding changes and regulatory shifts—with clear summaries of what each action means, its likely impact, and to do about it.
When policy and funding landscapes shift fast, funders need more than good instincts. Our Adapting with Intention framework helps philanthropic leaders assess risk, align strategy with values, evaluate grantee readiness and spot opportunities, so they can move with confidence instead of waiting for the storm to pass.
Connecting K-12, postsecondary and workforce systems takes policymaking that leaders can actually implement. Our Pathways Policies That Work brief series gives governors and state education and workforce chiefs practical, field-tested guidance for building pathways that expand economic mobility.
We brought together 300 leaders from 30 states and 72 organizations for research-grounded dialogue on the future of assessment and accountability policy, producing a roadmap that’s now shaping state and federal conversations on system redesign.
With funding from Arnold Ventures, we authored the Pathways Policies That Work brief series—practical, field-tested policy guidance for governors and state leaders on braiding funding for career pathways, reauthorizing Perkins, building coherent statewide pathways systems and navigating the impact of AI on the future workforce. Written by former state policymakers for current ones, the series turns hard-won implementation lessons into concrete legislative and regulatory recommendations state leaders can act on immediately.
Education First coaches state policy leaders in Arkansas, Delaware and Oregon as part of CCSSO’s 15-state Instructional Materials and Professional Development (IMPD) Network — helping states translate HQIM, assessment, educator preparation and school improvement policy into district-level adoption and classroom impact.
Education First leads a community of practice for K–12 and postsecondary state policy advocates across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio to help them navigate the shifting federal education policy landscape and develop state policy strategies. In partnership with the Joyce Foundation, Education First provides coaching and facilitates webinars and convenings to deepen their understanding how to advance their education agendas in a challenging environment.
Facilitated with support from the Joyce Foundation, this community of practice brings together state education agency teams across five Midwest states (IL, IN, MI, MN, and OH) to advance policy strategies that increase the quantity, quality, diversity, and retention of teachers. Education First provides quarterly convenings for state leaders to learn from national experts, workshop problems of practice, and share model policies, complemented by targeted 1:1 technical assistance and coaching for individual state teams.
Supported by the Walton Family Foundation, Education First facilitated a national network of 15 policy and advocacy organizations focused on the future of assessment and accountability policy. Through convenings, working groups, and shared learning sessions, the network explored how systems can better serve students, families, and educators—helping members surface shared priorities, shape new policy ideas, and drive collective action to foster coherence and innovation in state and federal policy.
We’re a team of former policymakers, agency leaders and funders who’ve sat on both sides of the table, writing policy and implementing it. We know how to move an idea from position paper to statute to classroom practice, and how to help leaders act decisively when the political ground shifts under them.
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