Aligned

10/08/2026

Every child deserves the chance to become a confident reader.
Kansas is preparing to implement one statewide universal literacy screener, while Missouri requires state-approved reading assessments for students in kindergarten through third grade.

On World Dyslexia Awareness Day, we recognize that early identification and evidence-based instruction can help ensure students receive the right support at the right time.

10/08/2026

Aligned is proud to announce the inaugural cohort of the Show-Me Growth Teaching Fellowship!

These 24 Missouri educators teach kindergarten through 8th grade, in math, science, English language arts, and more. Their classrooms run from St. Louis and Kansas City to the Ozarks. Each comes from a school recognized for exceptional student growth by Saint Louis University’s PRiME Center.

Through the 2026–27 school year, fellows will meet for professional development, build a statewide network, and get support to share what is working in their classrooms with other educators, policymakers, and communities.

Click the link to meet the cohort and please join us in congratulating them:

The Show-Me Growth Teaching Fellowship recognizes Missouri teachers from high-growth schools and supports them in sharing what works with educators statewide.

10/07/2026

Treasury and the IRS have released the proposed rules for the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit. Starting in 2027, a cash gift to a qualifying scholarship organization can earn a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 per person, or up to $3,400 for a married couple filing jointly if each spouse gives. States have to opt in each year, and only organizations on the state list qualify. yes. every kid. foundation has a plain-language resource page on the deadlines, the scholarship rules, and what is still open for comment.

Missouri, along with thirty other states, have already opted in and more can still join by December 31. Click the link below for more details.

Running or thinking about starting a scholarship granting organization (SGO)? Or building your state’s process for participating in the Education...

09/29/2026

https://missouriindependent.com/2026/09/26/missouri-should-take-the-time-to-get-its-next-education-commissioner-right/

Missouri education is entering a period of significant change. That makes the search for the state’s next Commissioner of Education more than a personnel decision. It is a decision about who will lead Missouri’s schools through some of the most consequential policy changes the state has undertak...

09/26/2026

Check out Aligned CEO, Torree Pederson’s thoughts on the next Missouri Ed Commissioner.

Missouri education is entering a period of significant change. That makes the search for the state’s next Commissioner of Education more than a personnel decision. It is a decision about who will lead Missouri’s schools through some of the most consequential policy changes the state has undertak...

09/25/2026

We are excited to announce our third webinar in the 2026 Webinar Series: Kansas School Finance.

Kansas is about to make one of its biggest education decisions in years. The current school finance formula expires in 2027, giving lawmakers a chance to make the system clearer, more predictable, and more connected to student need.

Join us for a plain-language conversation on what is ahead.

Register today and be part of the conversation.

https://wearealigned.org/kansas-school-finance-101/

09/21/2026

Congratulations to Brandy Lane, USD 265-Eisenhower Middle School USD 265-Goddard Public Schools for being named 2027 Kansas Teacher of the Year!

Read more here: https://www.ksde.gov/news-center/news-releases/2026/09/20/goddard-english-language-arts-educator-named-2027-kansas-teacher-of-the-year

09/16/2026

Join us today at noon for our Literacy Webinar!

09/10/2026

You don't have to solve the whole child care challenge to make a difference. You just have to start.

That’s one lesson from Raising JoCo - An Early Childhood Coalition, a Johnson County coalition working to strengthen quality, affordable child care and support the providers who make it possible. From connecting with local chambers and businesses to creating professional development opportunities and bringing community voices into the conversation, Raising JoCo has built momentum one partnership at a time.

Their story is proof that meaningful community change doesn't always begin with a massive initiative. Sometimes, it starts with identifying a need and finding the people who are willing to help address it.

📖 Read the case study: https://buff.ly/cYtCKQM

Businesses, community leaders: What’s one small step you could take for child care in your community?

09/10/2026

Don’t forget to register for the third webinar in Aligned’s 2026 webinar series: Turning the Page: Literacy in Missouri