-
Aligned Case Study: Branson R-IV
Branson R-IV has built one of the region’s most expansive and inclusive early learning programs — now serving more than 200 children across 11 preschool classrooms. By braiding Missouri Quality Pre-K (MOQPK) grant funding with the state’s 8% ADA foundation formula funding,…
-
What the One Big Beautiful Bill Means for the Child Tax Credit
On Friday, July 4, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law, ushering in a sweeping set of tax and fiscal changes with long-term implications for the federal budget, families, and state policy alike. One of the most closely…
-
Congress Weighs the Future of the Child Tax Credit
As Congress negotiates the next major federal tax package, the future of the Child Tax Credit (CTC) is once again up for debate. With key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) set to expire at the…
-
Weekly Update
This week’s highlights: Top News – U.S. Supreme Court hears case on religious charter schools Missouri Update – Open enrollment bill heard, a new workforce effort launched, and two new education leaders announced Kansas Update – A look at preschool…
-
Head Start facing elimination after 60 years
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe said this week he would consider using state surplus funds to keep Head Start going if Congress approves discretionary spending cuts for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed by the Trump Administration. His comments follow a leaked draft of the…
-
Weekly Update
This week’s highlights: Top News – Head Start facing elimination after 60 years Missouri Update – A look at the Governor’s first 100 days Kansas Update – Revenues Are Up — But Kansas’ Budget Still Faces Long-Term Imbalance Additional Highlights…
-
Congress Weighs Child Tax Credit Expansion
This week, as families across the country filed their 2024 returns, a quieter debate in Washington could reshape next year’s tax season — and the financial outlook for millions of households with children. Chief among the issues in play: whether…
-
Weekly Update
This week’s highlights: Top News – Congress Weighs Child Tax Credit Expansion Missouri Update – Kehoe replaces state board president Kansas Update – Legislative Session Recap Additional Highlights – Under the hood of the North Kansas City School District‘s nationally recognized Automotive Technology Program Read our…
-
Advanced Manufacturing Demands an Advanced Workforce
While recent headlines have focused on tariffs and trade policy, a quieter consensus has emerged across party lines: reshoring critical industries is now a national priority. The debate is no longer about whether to bring key sectors like advanced manufacturing back to…
-
Weekly Update
This week’s highlights: Top News – With tariffs back in the spotlight, Aligned examines what it will take to build a workforce ready for the future of advanced manufacturing in Kansas and Missouri. Missouri Update – Voters approve more than $1 billion…
-
Facing the Future with Fewer Learners
Enrollment decline lurks behind many conversations in education, fueling concern across the spectrum from early childhood through higher education. After all, many of our systems, institutions, and laws are predicated on the continued growth in students. Enrollment declines in both K–12 and…
-
Weekly Update
This week’s highlights: Top News – KCPS seeks its first bond approval since 1967, but it’s just one of dozens of districts asking voters to fund facilities, teacher pay, and school safety upgrades. Missouri Update – Aligned co-sponsors reception celebrating women in…
Resources Hub
Access nonpartisan research and news about the policies shaping education in Kansas and Missouri.