Education Commission of the States Welcomes Registration for Annual National Forum on Education Policy in July

Annual National Forum on Education Policy: Registration Now Open

The Education Commission of the States (ECS) has officially opened registration for its highly anticipated National Forum on Education Policy, which will take place from July 9-11, 2025 in Salt Lake City. This premier annual event is a vital gathering for state education leaders, policymakers, and educators aiming to collaborative work on pressing educational issues across the nation.

This year's forum, commemorating ECS's 60th anniversary, promises to be particularly significant as it aims to foster a renewed spirit of cooperation among states to enhance educational outcomes for all. ECS President José Muñoz remarked on the importance of this event, stating, "It's a critical moment in our organization's history. We look forward to engaging with some of the most influential leaders and thinkers in education to ensure educational excellence for all."

Why Attend?

The forum will feature three plenary sessions and 30 concurrent sessions, hosted by over 80 expert speakers from diverse backgrounds. Participants can expect dynamic discussions, valuable networking opportunities, and insightful perspectives on crucial subjects impacting education.

The programming will revolve around bipartisan policy priorities highlighted by state education leaders. These priorities were established after analyzing more than 7,000 education policies, 400 stakeholder information requests, and 49 governors' State of the State addresses. The identified priority areas include:

1. Creating accessible, affordable, and high-quality early care and education systems.
2. Improving student attendance, engagement, and well-being.
3. Strengthening the educator pipeline.
4. Reforming K-12 finance.
5. Building holistic skills and aligned pathways.
6. Enhancing the value of postsecondary education in preparing for the future workforce.

Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas, who has been serving as the ECS Chair since 2023, emphasized the significance of this year's forum. "As states navigate new challenges in education, this event serves as an essential platform for dialogue and strategic planning going forward," she stated.

A Call to Action

With space limited, interested individuals are encouraged to register promptly to secure their attendance. In an age where educational policies are continually evolving, the forum represents a unique opportunity for collaboration and the sharing of innovative ideas aimed at collectively advancing educational systems across the country.

Incoming ECS Chair Mark Gordon, the Governor of Wyoming, echoed the sentiments of his predecessors, underlining the forum's capability to unite education leaders towards a common objective: achieving educational excellence. "The National Forum on Education Policy offers a golden opportunity to blend diverse insights and craft scalable solutions for the educational landscape," he said.

About ECS

The Education Commission of the States is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for improved educational policies. ECS works closely with state leadership to identify and implement effective strategies to meet the educational needs of current and future generations. For over six decades, ECS has been a reputable source of support for these leaders through research, resources, and convenings like the National Forum on Education Policy.

Learn more about the National Forum and register for the event by visiting ecs.org or follow ECS on social media for ongoing updates.

Engage in the conversation on Twitter using #EducationForum2025 and join the movement towards a brighter future for education.