This Wallace-commissioned report identifies the emergence of a new kind of education advocacy organization in the U.S., assesses how these groups influence education policy, provides an overview of their work across the country, and offers a case study of one, Advance Illinois. The report argues that these groups, and their potential foundation supporters, should carefully consider numerous issues as they craft their strategies to influence discussions about schools and state education policy. A commentary from the executive director of Advance Illinois reflects on the findings.? An appendix provides information on methods and data used in the study. [For the executive summary, see ED559962.]