Because they reflect local values about what students should learn during their K-12 years, academic standards are inherently political. Through a variety of ways, federal, state, and local actors have long sought to control decisions about what constitutes “official knowledge.” From book bans to state laws restricting curricular choices, the politics of academic content is once again making news. A review of the legal framework for these content decisions may provide helpful context for state boards of education.


NCOSEA Voice: The Struggle to Control Academic Content





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Six Questions to Advance Media Literacy and Digital Citizenship

Adolescents consume a lot of screen media, which exposes them to potentially harmful media messages that impacts their physical, mental, and social well-being. Read how some states are equipping students with skills to navigate a complex media landscape.
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Curriculum That Counts

Authors in this issue of the Standard draw lessons from a spectrum of state policies that are being used to increase the adoption of high-quality curriculum.
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Strengthening the Principal Pipeline through State Leadership Academies

Missouri, Delaware, and North Carolina have developed evidence-based professional learning for current and prospective school leaders to increase their effectiveness and reduce turnover.

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