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

September 2017 — Volume 17, No. 3
Building on State ESSA Plans


This September, 34 states are submitting their plans for implementing the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to the U.S. Department of Education, as 17 did earlier in the year. As these plans are reviewed, revised, and rolled out, states will face challenges in ensuring the implementation of their plans keeps faith with the spirit of ESSA. The new issue of NASBE’s award-winning journal, The State Education Standard, looks at ways states can build upon their ESSA plans to ensure all students receive an excellent education.

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Editor’s Note

From the President’s Pen

We, the Media

News & Notes

NCOSEA Voice

On the Agenda

 

Students Can’t Wait: Promoting Equity and Improvement through ESSA
State boards should eye their state plans through an equity lens.
By Ryan Smith and Lillian Lowery

Plotting a New Course on Teacher Preparation Reform
Three steps state boards can take to encourage teacher preparation programs to improve.
By Ashley LiBetti Mitchel and Chad Aldeman

Advancing Equity in Illinois’s ESSA Plan
With its fingerprints already planted on its state plan, one advocacy group looks ahead to an ongoing role in ESSA implementation.
By Ginger Ostro

Helping Districts Build Great Schools through Great Engagement
District plans are where the rubber meets the road, and states can give counsel on engaging stakeholders.
By Molly Mauer

Transparency on College and Career Readiness: How Does Your State Measure Up?
Data transparency is a prerequisite to ensuring K-12 students are prepared for their next steps.
By Sandra Boyd




Featured Items

Little girl crossing the field in fog. Image credit: iStock i

Gauging School Climate

As school buildings reopen after weeks of pandemic-induced closures, school climate will matter more than ever. State policymakers and education leaders can plan now to create safe, supportive learning environments ready for the return of students and teachers to classrooms. The articles in The Standard provide a roadmap.
Chairs on desks in empty classroom. Image Credit: iStock i

Preparing Facilities for Students’ Return in the Wake of COVID-19

To reopen schools, they need to be clean and safe for students, educators, and staff. What state leaders need to consider as they issue guidance for schools.
Masked mother and daughter reviewing book.Image Credit: iStock i

Continued Learning during COVID-19

States are issuing guidance with an eye toward equity to help schools implement continuous learning for all students and adapt to a variety of needs and circumstances amidst widespread school closures from COVID-19.

Upcoming Events

From the States

  • Measures of SEL and School Climate in California

    CORE Districts plumb the possibilities of using holistic measures to improve schools.

  • Kansas State Board Confronts Youth Vaping

    The usage of vaping products among middle school students has increased at alarming rates. Federal and state policymakers are addressing this crisis, including in Kansas, where the state board of education acted quickly to engage stakeholders on curbing youth vaping.