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Reading crisis is real no matter the measure
Following our recent newsletter, some in the education community have raised concerns about our use of NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) data, suggesting that it overstates the number of students struggling with reading. NAEP has its limitations—it’s a national benchmark based on…
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Student achievement on the decline
This week, test results revealed a sobering look at student achievement in the United States. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is a nationwide test administered to measure students’ academic performance in the United States. It’s often called the “Nation’s Report…
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Weekly Update
This week’s highlights: Top News – This week, NAEP test results revealed a sobering look at student achievement in the United States. Missouri Update – Governor Mike Kehoe wants to rewrite the state education funding formula. Kansas Update – Aligned has been actively…
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Weekly Update
This week’s highlights: Top News – Kansas Lawmakers Weigh Property Tax Relief Missouri Update – Early childhood council discusses program updates & strategic initiatives Kansas Update – Education policy proposals emerge in Topeka Additional Highlights – Brian Brush joins Aligned…
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Weekly Update
This week’s highlights: Top News – Governor Mike Kehoe credits mentorship in inauguration day speech. Missouri Update – Aligned and other child advocates met with Speaker Jon Patterson to discuss a proposal to create a community childcare exchange. Kansas Update – Governor Laura Kelly addresses childhood investment in…
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Weekly Update
This week’s highlights: Top News – Missouri releases playbook to curb teacher shortages. Missouri Update – Newly installed legislative leaders prioritize children Kansas Update – Members of the Kansas Legislature set their sights on a shorter session. Additional Highlights –…
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Update – December 2024
This week’s highlights: Top News – Aligned will continue to focus on early care and education solutions, open enrollment and college access, and school finance reform. Yesterday, we presented our priorities for 2025 to lawmakers and partners in a webinar detailing our…
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Opinion – Missouri Times
The Missouri Times published an opinion piece this week penned by Tyler Nottberg, Aligned’s co-founder and the Chairman and CEO of Kansas City-based U.S. Engineering, that gives an executive’s perspective on fine-tuning Missouri’s early childhood system. Read below. Build. Solve. Evolve. That’s our motto…
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Update – October 2024
This month’s highlights: Top News—With millions of dollars flowing into the Show-Me State to fight over ballot initiatives related to gaming, we provide a deeper dive into where the proceeds go in Missouri and Kansas. Missouri Update – DESE is still playing catch-up on…
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Update – September 2024
This month’s highlights: Top News – Lawmakers held hearings during the Veto Session to question the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on the childcare subsidy payment backlog. Missouri Update – St. Louis Board of Education voted unanimously to terminate SLPS Superintendent Dr. Keisha Scarlett’s contract…
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Aligned Case Study
For over four decades, AdventHealth Shawnee Mission (formerly Shawnee Mission Hospital) in Merriam, Kansas, has stood out by offering onsite childcare, a unique benefit that began in 1979 to attract and retain top healthcare talent. Candy Seltman was recruited to…
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Update – June 2024
This month’s highlights: Top News – Annie E. Casey Foundation released its 35th edition of its KIDS COUNT Data Book. See where Missouri and Kansas stand. Missouri Update – Aligned joined child advocates from around the state filled the Millbotton Event Center in Jefferson City this…
Resources Hub
Access nonpartisan research and news about the policies shaping education in Kansas and Missouri.