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