Racial Justice through Expanded Choice – NASBE – National Association of State Boards of Education

The revelation that we already live in a choice system, but one that does not distribute the power to choose equally or fairly, turns the usual conversation about school choice—who has it and how much they should have—on its head. It is essential context for members of state boards of education and other state leaders considering choice policies in any and all of their forms.

Racial Justice through Expanded Choice

Also In this Issue

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Achieving Racial Justice in PreK-12 Education

By John B. King Jr., and Denise Forte

Progress is possible. Back to normal is not good enough.

Designing for Equity

By Hal Smith

It takes a whole community to lift up policies and practices that support equity and end those that don't.

Teacher Diversity and Student Success

By Constance A. Lindsay

State policymakers should name diversity as a marker of teacher quality.

Equity and English Learners Post-Pandemic

By Julie Sugarman, and Melissa Lazarín

State leaders should ramp up supports for EL students and their families.

Racial Justice through Expanded Choice

By Derrell Bradford

Decoupling where students receive education from where they live is key to undoing the system's racist roots.

Supporting Youth with the Most Need

By Hailly T.N. Korman

For many, the pandemic has been just one of a host of barriers to a high-quality education.

Engaging Students through Ethnic Studies

By Woody Exley

California, Connecticut, and Texas broaden their elective offerings.

District of Columbia Embeds Antiracist Lens in Update of Social Studies Standards

By Jessica Sutter, and Alexander Jue

State board tees up a revision process and standards characterized by civic engagement and cultural responsiveness.

Featured Items

Two female teachers sitting at a table, having a discussion in the lobby area in the school they work at in Gateshead, North East England. They are talking about school issues together while using a laptop.

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Preparing Principals to Lead Innovative High Schools

By better aligning principal preparation, licensure, and support systems, state boards of education can unlock the potential of innovative high school models.

Annual Conference 2026

It's that time of year again: Registration is now open for NASBE's Annual Conference this October! Join us in Baltimore, Maryland, for bold conversations, big ideas, and meaningful connections.

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Five Questions to Ask about Having Student Members on State Boards

Twenty-four state boards of education have at least one student board member serving in a voting or nonvoting capacity. But inclusion alone does not guarantee meaningful, effective participation.

Upcoming Events

September 24, 2026 — New Member Institute
New Student Member Institute 2026
October 26, 2026 — Annual Conference
Annual Conference 2026

From the States

States Start Up Registered Principal Apprenticeships

A handful of states have been launching federally registered apprenticeships to better prepare new principals, remove barriers to entering the profession, and combat turnover.
Advancing High Schoolers’ Financial Literacy

Forty-one states now require personal finance education for graduation. This analysis examines state financial literacy approaches and key drivers for success.