The Aspen Institute Education & Society Program

Great session today with The Aspen Institute Education & Society Program on "Crossing the Partisan Divide in Education Policy." 🤝 Thank you, Lorén (Trull) Cox, PhD and Karen Nussle, for tips on building cross-partisan support — a more contemporary and nuanced approach than seeking traditional bipartisan support. Check out their paper for details and a checklist here: https://lnkd.in/eDBnu7tW #publicofficial #crosspartisan #initforALLkids

As students across the country headed back to school this week, The Aspen Institute Education & Society Program's Ross Wiener reminds us that children feeling a sense of belonging in school is essential for addressing educational challenges, including lagging academic achievement, chronic absenteeism, and student mental health. Wiener explores how things like school safety, parent engagement, relevant lessons, free meals, and more can foster student belonging and drive positive education outcomes in a new op-ed for The 74 — read on at the link below.

“As a New School Year Begins, Ensuring All Students Feel a Sense of Belonging”   In his latest op-ed, our Executive Director Ross Wiener highlights how fostering belonging is key to improving attendance, academic achievement, and student mental health. With data showing that only 55% of students feel connected at school, the need for change is urgent.   Read Ross's insights on how education policy can prioritize belonging to address the mental health crisis, chronic absenteeism, and prepare students for a thriving democracy.    🔗 https://lnkd.in/eJHFEKiV   #EdPolicy #AspenEdSociety

Don’t forget to RSVP! Join us TONIGHT at Kramers in Washington, D.C. at 7:00 PM for the release of Dr. Tania Israel's latest book, Facing the Fracture. Author Tania Israel will have an insightful conversation moderated by our Executive Director, Ross Wiener. Together, they’ll explore how to move beyond polarization and create a more connected, resilient society.   RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/eFHJSQPc   #AspenEdSociety #CrossPartisan

In the DC area next week? Join us at Kramers on Tuesday, September 3rd at 7:00 PM for the release of Dr. Tania Israel's latest book, Facing the Fracture. Author Tania Israel will have an insightful conversation moderated by our Executive Director, Ross Wiener. Together, they’ll explore how to move beyond polarization and create a more connected, resilient society. RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/eFHJSQPc #AspenEdSociety #CrossPartisan

These are the final hours! No better use of votes than to support important discussions of education in our democracy. :-)

🌟 Proposal Spotlight: “Crossing the Partisan Divide in Education Policy” 🌟 In today’s polarized political climate, can we still advance education policy? Join us at SXSW EDU as we explore innovative strategies for building cross-partisan support, inspired by successful state-level efforts. We'll dive into the factors driving these successes—like clear communication, local responsiveness, and finding mutual wins. Learn how to turn partisan challenges into opportunities for cross-partisan progress in education. I’ll be joined by Karen Nussle, CEO of Ripple Communications, and Shaka Mitchell, a Senior Fellow at American Federation for Children #CrossPartisan #EdPolicy Vote TODAY!: https://lnkd.in/eZJW-e2e

🌟 Proposal Spotlight: “Bridging Divides: Cross-Partisan Reflections in Education” 🌟 Hyper-partisan politics strain our education system, affecting both educators and student achievement. Join us for a candid conversation with education leaders from across the aisle as we explore how to rebuild the political center, enabling students and teachers to thrive without political distractions. This session will feature honest self-reflection and cross-ideological dialogue, uncovering unexpected intersections and offering insights on fostering collaboration for the benefit of all students. Hear from our esteemed speakers: - Lorén (Trull) Cox, PhD, Policy Director, Aspen Institute, Education and Society Program - Karen Nussle, CEO, Ripple Communications - Shaka Mitchell, Senior Fellow, American Federation for Children - Desmond K. Blackburn, Ph.D, President & CEO, Facing History and Ourselves Vote TODAY!: https://lnkd.in/eJ_reVFW

🌟 Proposal Spotlight: "Beyond False Dilemmas: Blending UDL & School Climate" 🌟 When it comes to school improvement, leaders and educators often feel caught between choosing one path over another. But what if the answer isn't about "either/or"? Join us as we collaborate with CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) to explore how blending Universal Design for Learning (UDL) with proven school climate strategies can create a community where diverse identities are celebrated and cultural empathy thrives. Discover research-driven insights and actionable strategies to build a school culture where equity is not just a goal, but a lived experience—fueled by the voices and feedback of both staff and students, leading to richer learning and stronger, more inclusive environments. Hear from our esteemed speakers: - Brittany Mauney, Director of People and Strategy, The Aspen Institute - Jennifer Levine, Chief Academic Officer, CAST - Dave Paunesku , Executive Director & Co-founder, PERTS - Elisa Torres-Barton, Ed.D., CAST’s Director of the California Coalition for Inclusive Learning Project, CAST & Fresno County Superintendent of Schools #SXSWEDU2025 #SchoolClimate #UDL

🌟 Proposal Spotlight: "A New Choice Landscape: Finding Common Ground in Democracy" 🌟 Momentum is building for pluralistic approaches in education that ensure every student is prepared for a thriving life and active participation in our democracy. This panel of diverse leaders from philanthropy, policy, and practice will discuss an urgent new analysis of the public ed landscape, highlighting actionable common ground and key tensions that communities must navigate to enhance student agency, citizenship, and opportunity for all. Hear from our esteemed speakers: - Gene Pinkard Director, K-12 Leadership, The Aspen Education & Society Program - Kent McGuire, Education Program Director, William and Flora Hewlett Foundation - Hanna Skandera, President and CEO, Daniels Fund - Adam Peshek, Senior Director, Stand Together Trust Vote Today!: https://lnkd.in/eJviHDp2 #SXSWEDU2025 #Democracy #EdPolicy