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Elevation Check Point 1 - Summary Data

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YOUR HOPES

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All Participants

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

“I’m hoping for a better understanding of the holistic challenges district leaders are facing today and the pathways to creating th best learning environments possible.”

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All Participants

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

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Family Partnerships

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

Keeping students as our focus. Students do not get a do over. Adults come back to teach each year. Students only have one chance to complete one of 13 years of public education.”

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Family Partnerships

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

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Coalition Building, Starting with Your Board

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

What really resonates with communities, especially in smaller districts is the belief that every kid deserves a good education, strong relationships, and real preparation for life, whether that’s college, a career, or the trades, with schools playing a big role as the heart of the community. At the same time, there are some clear tensions, like whether state funding actually lives up to the “paramount duty” promise, how equity efforts fit with local values, and a general lack of clarity about what success for students should really look like. Schools are also being asked to do more around mental health and behavior without always having the resources, while trying to balance state requirements with local priorities and make workforce readiness more than just an idea.

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Coalition Building, Starting with Your Board

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

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Mathematics Literacy & Pathways

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

“Better understanding of how we can collectively work together to improve outcomes for the students we serve making certain that no one is left out or behind.”

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Mathematics Literacy & Pathways

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

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AI and the Future of Learning

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

“I’m hoping for a better understanding and knowledge of how to leverage AI and bring it forward in K-12 education as a valuable tool. I know that it will change our work and is already changing our world.”

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AI and the Future of Learning

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

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Inclusion, Access & Belonging

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

“My thoughts center on trust. Trust in public education is eroding and for our staff and students to be successful we must find a pathway to restoring this trust.”

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Inclusion, Access & Belonging

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

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Accountability for the Promise of Public Education

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

“I am hoping that what we build is a collective plan for action. I think too often we talk about the issues and admire the problem without creating a tangible plan for action.”

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Accountability for the Promise of Public Education

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

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Key Themes and Quotes - Your Hopes

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

1. **Peer Networking & Collaboration**

Building relationships, “getting to know” other superintendents, exchanging ideas, and aligning statewide direction.

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Key Themes and Quotes - Your Hopes

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

**Knowledge Expansion & Learning**

Deepening expertise in topical areas (AI, inclusionary practices, mathematics, family partnerships, etc.).

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Key Themes and Quotes - Your Hopes

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

**Actionable Tools & Strategies**

• Seeking concrete resources, frameworks, and next-step plans they can take home and implement right away.

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Key Themes and Quotes - Your Hopes

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

**Confidence, Energy & Inspiration**

Finding hope, affirmation, and renewed motivation to lead amid challenges.

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Key Themes and Quotes - Your Hopes

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

**Advocacy & System-Level Influence**

Gaining clarity and a common voice to influence legislators, improve funding, and elevate public education’s image.

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What are you hoping to gain from this experience?

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

“Recently I have been lacking confidence in my ability to guide our district through the difficult work we are engaged in. It is my hope that this conference brings me hope that I can lead this work in a way our community, our district and, most importantly, our kids deserve.”

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What are you hoping to gain from this experience?

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

“This is Day 11 on the job for me! … I’m hoping to gain affirmation that my vision aligns with the work that needs to be accomplished in my district.”

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What are you hoping to gain from this experience?

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

“The benefit of collective knowledge and experience to guide the work in my own district. Ultimately, drastically improved mathematics teaching and learning for all Washington students.”

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What are you hoping to gain from this experience?

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

“A realistic path to enhancing student learning and adult practice with the help of AI as a tool.”

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What are you hoping to gain from this experience?

WASA Superintendents Conference 2026

“I am hoping that what we build is a collective plan for action. Too often we admire the problem without creating a tangible plan.”