Meeting 57
April 9 - 10, 2026
Long Beach, California
This meeting is a departure from our typical approach. Rather than nest our deliberations in the context of a specific district, we are tackling a broader issue that has emerged consistently during our time together and in the education landscape more broadly: competing narratives about public education. Many of you have raised concerns that the prevailing messages about public education have become increasingly negative in recent years. Although perspectives vary among audiences (e.g., parents, policymakers), growing negativity threatens to harm not only morale, but the ability of schools and districts to deliver excellence in learning opportunities for all students. The response to these concerns from education leaders, however, has too often been uncoordinated and reactive in nature. For two days in April, we will take some initial steps to address this challenge by unpacking the narratives that have gained traction among key constituencies and the underlying motivations, values, and concerns that shape them. Then, we will work as a group to identify the messages that we believe have the potential to inspire ongoing investment in California public education without glossing over valid concerns.
Briefing Book