Areas of expertise
- Cross-sector education systems thinking
- Competency-based state policy knowledge
- State policy development and implementation
As senior director of state policy, Jon leads KnowledgeWorks strategy to support state partners with technical assistance on policy development and adoption. His thought leadership revolves around helping all 50 states consider policy changes and implementation supports designed to advance personalized, competency-based learning.
One of the greatest education challenges of the 21st century is reimagining and recreating our education system so that all students can graduate high school equipped with the knowledge and skills to be successful in what they choose to do next.
Jon joined KnowledgeWorks with a deep background in working directly with state and federal education policy makers, as well as extensive experience as an educator. Immediately prior to joining KnowledgeWorks, he worked for the National Governors Association where he helped states strengthen their education, workforce and postsecondary education policies. In this role Jon provided direct technical assistance to states on a range of topics including dual enrollment, work-based learning and education-workforce systems alignment. He also previously held policy positions as an aid to Senator Richard Durbin (IL) and at the U.S. Department of Education. Prior to his work in policy, Jon spent several years as a public school teacher and administrator in Memphis, Tennessee.
Jon received his bachelor’s degree and Masters of Public Affairs from the University of Wisconsin Madison and is a proud Wisconsin Badger. In his spare time, Jon enjoys running half marathons and reading world history books.
Featured work
Jon Alfuth is a leading expert in education policy and systems transformation, dedicated to helping states create policies that support personalized, competency-based learning. A frequent speaker at major national gatherings, Jon has presented at the Competency-Based Education Network’s annual convening, National Association of State Boards of Education, National Conference of State Legislatures, the Education Commission of the States National Forum and SXSW Edu, among others. In each setting, he fosters dialogue that bridges state and federal priorities, local realities and emerging innovations.
- State Policy Framework for Personalized Learning: Our state policy framework guides our partnerships and systems transformation efforts. Explore the conditions that allow and support personalized, competency-based learning to thrive.
- A Bold Legislative Shift to Redefine Graduation: Jon provides insights into New Mexico’s legislative action – and its support – on graduation requirements and offers six tips for other states rethinking graduation requirements.
- Four Key Insights into Competency-based Graduation Requirements: Jon explains how states across the country are turning to high school transformation, particularly high school graduation requirements, as one strategy to address concerns that they are not adequately preparing students for what’s next.
