The only organization dedicated solely to helping state boards advance equity and excellence in public education.


How Schools Work and How to Work with Schools (2014) demystifies public education for policymakers, government officials, community members, business leaders, and others interested in partnering with schools to improve the health, safety, and well-being of all students and ensure they are successful in their academic pursuits. How Schools Work includes:

  • Explanation of public education governance at the federal, state, local, and school levels and how national organizations influence education policymaking.
  • Ways to meaningfully and positively engage with the education sector, including examples of successful school-community partnerships and best practices.
  • Guiding principles for working with schools and practical steps for more successful collaboration with them.
  • Answers to the most frequently asked questions about public education. For example: What is Title I and how does it support low-income students? And, how are public schools funded?
  • Reliable data sources and resources for additional information on crossover issues in education, from school crime and safety, to school nutrition and health policies and practices.
  • A glossary of common education terms, acronyms, and important federal education programs.

How Schools Work With Schools





Featured Items

Reimagining the Roles of Teachers and Leaders

Amid national discussions of ways to recruit and keep teachers and leaders in a demanding profession, experts highlight the many ways states are restructuring staffing and instruction to make teaching more manageable and rewarding.

Call for Annual Conference Session Proposals

NASBE’s 2026 Annual Conference is heading to Baltimore, Maryland, and our call for session proposals is open until May 26! Showcase your state's standout work in education policy!
Group of students working on an algebra project in classroom setting, engaging in collaborative learning while sitting around table and sharing ideas on assignment i

Leaders Back Statewide Plans to Improve Math Learning

Leading states have been launching or expanding plans to bolster students’ math learning.

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