Abigail Potts is the NASBE’s director of college, career, and civic readiness. Potts brings over 10 years of experience in federal and state education policy along with a passion for data and educational equity. She previously served as a research scientist at the US Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). At NCES, she worked in partnership with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to administer the Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC). The CRDC provides wide-ranging data on educational access and opportunity covering topics such as early childhood education, college and career readiness, resource equity, and bullying and harassment. Potts has also served as an independent consultant providing technical assistance and policy analysis and as a senior policy advisor within the US Department of Education’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education working on assessment and accountability issues. Her first job in education was at the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) reporting on education indicators and state education policies. Potts attended public school in Alexandria, Virginia, and currently resides in Alexandria’s Del Ray neighborhood.
Latest Contributions
Four Test Questions for State Boards
By Abigail PottsThese questions can help frame conversations on assessment approval and intersections with state accountability.
Defining and Defending State Board Authority
By Abigail PottsState board members should act early and often to articulate their board’s vital role in achieving excellence and equity for all students.
The Impact of the 2018 Elections on State Boards of Education
By Abigail Potts, Joseph Hedger and Kris AmundsonThis analysis examines how leadership changes brought about by the 2018 elections will affect state boards.
Building Partnerships in the Education Community
By Abigail PottsSuccessful engagement creates a sense of buy-in and shared ownership of the state’s vision and strategic plan for education.
The Impact of the 2016 Elections on State Boards of Education
By Abigail Potts, J. William Tucker and Kris AmundsonThe election of 2016 is generally acknowledged to be a “change” election. Voters chose a new president and ended years of divided government by giving control of the House, the Senate, and the White House to Republicans. Did the “change” message affect the selection of new members of state boards of education?