This Policy Update highlights the mismatch between the skills taught in many teacher preparation programs and those needed to help students achieve rigorous learning standards. State boards of education have a role to play here. They have authority over preparation program standards and approval processes, curriculum, teacher certification and licensure requirements – and they can work with various stakeholders to determine how well preparation programs are aligned to the state’s academic standards. Several states such as Arkansas, Maryland and Colorado have already made significant strides in this area.