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


The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) gives state policymakers new responsibility and increased flexibility to improve and align policies that accommodate specific student populations, including migrant youth and English language learners. ESSA provides opportunities to act on behalf of five at-risk student populations: students with disabilities, migrant youth, students in the foster care system, English language learners, and homeless youth. A new series of NASBE policy updates suggests strategies that state boards of education can use to address the challenges and inequities facing some of the most disenfranchised, at-risk student populations in the country.

From this series:


ESSA and Students in Foster Care

ESSA and Students with Disabilities

ESSA and English Language Learners

ESSA and Homeless Students

ESSA and Migrant Youth





Featured Items

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The Educators Students Deserve: Four State Policy Approaches

State education leaders have long prioritized efforts to recruit and retain effective teachers. Yet persistent challenges, including high turnover rates and teacher shortages in key subject areas, continue to strain the educator workforce.

Annual Conference 2025

Registration is now open for NASBE’s 2025 Annual Conference, the only conference designed specifically for state boards of education.
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Gauging the Impact of Funds for Students Experiencing Homelessness

State boards can help drive improvements in programs serving students in unstable housing and ensure effective implementation.

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