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Activating Campaigns and Building Community Power for Policy Change.
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Transforming Systems: BIPOC Voices Leading Social Justice Policy Change.
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Building Coalitions for Systemic Change: Advancing Equity through Policy and Advocacy.
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Foundational Policy Ideas for AI in Education Panel.
BREAKOUT SESSION TOPICS
Francis A. Pearman is an Assistant Professor in the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University. His research focuses on how poverty and inequality shape the life chances of children, especially in rapidly changing cities. He has focused on such topics as the impacts of school choice on urban redevelopment, the relationship between racial discipline gaps and racial achievement gaps, neighborhood variation in PreK effects, the educational impacts of gentrification, and gang activity in schools. Throughout his research, Pearman combines rigorous quantitative methods with careful attention to how “big data,” including geo-coded crime statistics, business information, and local voting patterns, might open new sites of inquiry in the field of education. His award-winning research has been published in a variety of leading journals, including Sociology of Education, Review of Educational Research, American Educational Research Journal, and the American Journal of Criminal Justice, and has been featured in a variety of media outlets, including ABC News, The Atlantic, The Economist, and CityLab. Pearman holds a Ph.D. and M.Ed. from Vanderbilt University, and a B.S. from the University of Virginia.
FRANCIS A. PEARMAN
2025 KEYNOTE SPEAKER
2025 KEYNOTE SPEAKER
FRANCIS A. PEARMAN
Francis A. Pearman is an Assistant Professor in the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University. His research focuses on how poverty and inequality shape the life chances of children, especially in rapidly changing cities. He has focused on such topics as the impacts of school choice on urban redevelopment, the relationship between racial discipline gaps and racial achievement gaps, neighborhood variation in PreK effects, the educational impacts of gentrification, and gang activity in schools. Throughout his research, Pearman combines rigorous quantitative methods with careful attention to how “big data,” including geo-coded crime statistics, business information, and local voting patterns, might open new sites of inquiry in the field of education. His award-winning research has been published in a variety of leading journals, including Sociology of Education, Review of Educational Research, American Educational Research Journal, and the American Journal of Criminal Justice, and has been featured in a variety of media outlets, including ABC News, The Atlantic, The Economist, and CityLab. Pearman holds a Ph.D. and M.Ed. from Vanderbilt University, and a B.S. from the University of Virginia.
For any questions, please contact us at lisanna@svefoundation.org
2025 SPONSORS
FUTURE BUILDER
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STEM ADVOCATE
We’re excited to host the 3rd Annual Education Policy Summit on Friday, September 26, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Mexican Heritage Plaza.
This year’s theme, Catalysts for Change: The Next Chapter in School Funding Reform, centers on advancing education policy that closes opportunity gaps and drives long-term transformation.
Key Outcomes:
✔ Build a shared understanding of how systemic inequities in school funding, legislation, and accountability policies impact student outcomes
✔ Equip education stakeholders—advocates, community leaders, and decision-makers—with tools to take informed action at the local and state levels
Education policy is a powerful driver of change. When thoughtfully designed, it addresses funding disparities, strengthens school systems, and ensures students from every background have access to the resources and opportunities they deserve
Join us for a day of learning, connection, and momentum-building as we continue writing the next chapter in education policy reform.
ABOUT THE SUMMIT
AGENDA
8:30 AM - 9:15 AM
Registration & Networking
9:15 AM - 10:45 AM
Welcome & Opening Remarks
10:50 AM - 12:00 PM
Breakout Sessions
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM
Lunch
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Keynote Conversation
2:40 PM - 3:00 PM
Networking Reception