This NASBE analysis looks at 49 state strategic plans and finds many target learning recovery and other pandemic-related education issues.
In 2023, several states made significant strides toward universal pre-K, increased funding and support for early educators, and improved literacy and math instruction.
State education leaders can foster children’s mental health by increasing families’ preparedness and awareness of available resources and activities.
While most states encourage or require schools to test for lead in drinking water, funding to sustain remediation lags—despite significant federal grants designed to boost those efforts.
Challenges persist in attracting and retaining this school-based mental health professionals, but some states, including Virginia, Ohio, Colorado, Michigan, and others, are making progress.
States such as Georgia, New York, Utah, and others have increasingly opted to combat “period poverty" by expanding access to free menstrual products in schools.
To improve literacy, states should invest in comprehensive supports for teachers to equip them to deliver high-quality, evidence-based instruction.
To equip and retain more high-quality school leaders, states can encourage principal internships as a key part of preparation.