Closing the Year Strong: Advocating for Systemic Change in 2026

Barbara Sanchez
Dec 15
2 min read

School library filled with books, symbolizing reflection and learning for educators, parents, and advocates preparing for systemic change in 2026. — As another year comes to a close, many of us feel that familiar mix of exhaustion and inspiration. Education advocacy is not for the faint of heart — it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Yet every December gives us something powerful: perspective. We can look back at what worked, what didn’t, and what systemic changes are still urgently needed.

Whether you’re an educator, parent, or community advocate, this is your invitation to pause, reflect, and refocus so we can enter 2026 ready to push for meaningful change across our schools.

1. Reflect on Progress — and Gaps

School bag by classroom window reflecting on systemic change in special education advocacy.

Reviewing your advocacy efforts is the first step toward sustainable impact.

What worked this year? Did you see better collaboration in IEP or 504 meetings? Was there stronger implementation of inclusive practices or family engagement?
Where did systems fall short? Perhaps communication broke down, supports weren’t delivered with fidelity, or barriers persisted for multilingual or disabled students.

Start noting themes, these observations become the evidence base for next year’s advocacy priorities.

2. Move from Individual Wins to Systemic Shifts

Girl celebrating while looking at a laptop, representing creating a winter break rhythm and maintaining routines at home.

Individual advocacy will always matter. Every student deserves strong representation.

But sustained change happens when we tackle patterns:

Push for transparent data reporting on discipline, inclusion, and academic outcomes.
Advocate for consistent accountability in how IEPs, MTSS supports, and trauma‑informed practices are implemented.
Support statewide initiatives that center equity and universal design instead of reactive interventions.

Maryland’s own [MSDE IEP guidance and accountability frameworks](https://marylandpublicschools.org) offer a blueprint for how advocates can partner with districts to drive equitable implementation, not just compliance.

3. Center Lived Experience

Parents taking notes at a conference, reflecting key supports and strategies to maintain routines during winter break.

Systemic change must be informed by those most impacted.

In 2026, let’s commit to amplifying student and family voices, especially from historically marginalized communities.

Host listening sessions or focus groups with students.
Incorporate Charting the LifeCourse or PATH tools to map out real goals, dreams, and barriers.
Translate this feedback into policy and budget recommendations that center inclusion and accessibility

4. Build Collective Power

Parents and teacher meeting and talking, representing collaboration and building collective power during winter break routines.

Advocacy can feel isolating, but sustainable change is built through community networks.

Partner with other families, educators, and organizations working toward shared goals:

Join or organize a local advocacy coalition.
Collaborate with your school system’s Special Education Citizens’ Advisory Committee (SECAC).
Stay informed on legislative priorities as the Maryland General Assembly convenes in early 2026.

Change grows strongest when many voices move in the same direction.

5. Fuel Your Fire for 2026

Eyeglasses on a book with sunlight shining through, symbolizing reflection and preparing for the return to school after winter break.

Before the year ends, take time to recharge. Advocacy work pulls from both strategy and heart. Your energy is your most valuable resource.

Journal about what gives you purpose, revisit your “why,” and step into January ready to continue the work.

Closing Thought

Change isn’t quick. It happens in policy rooms, classrooms, and living rooms — through persistent, informed advocacy. Closing the year strong isn’t just about finishing a season; it’s about preparing the soil for what’s next.

As we welcome 2026, let’s carry forward not just resilience but a shared commitment to build systems that truly see, include, and empower every learner.