The Learning Forward Academy kicked off the class of 2026’s first in-person convening in July in Columbus, Ohio. Cohort members represent 40 education systems, including participants from the U.S. Department of Defense Education Activities.

Coaches Shannon Bogle and Ayesha Farag led sessions on understanding education systems and how to plan and prioritize action for change efforts. Academy members began to dig into data analysis and root cause analysis to determine the problem of practice they want to tackle during the program’s 2½-year duration.

 “What a joy to be with this group of thoughtful and enthusiastic educators from around the country — and always inspiring to spend time with educators committed to creating schools where all students thrive,” Farag said.

Three academy classes will converge this December in Colorado at the Learning Forward Annual Conference. The class of 2024 will graduate and posters of the group’s change effort work will be on display at the event. Joellen Killion will work with both cohorts from 2025 and 2026 on assessing impact.

The class of 2026 will continue its work by focusing on topics such as creating goals, planning for how to engage stakeholders, and beginning to create their logic models.

The next cohort will begin accepting applications on
Sept. 1. For information about the Learning Forward Academy, visit learningforward.org/academy/