The only organization dedicated solely to helping state boards advance equity and excellence in public education.
Fostering Arts-Rich Schools
There are many good reasons for state boards to pay attention to the depth and breadth of instruction their schools offer in music, drama, theater, dance, and media arts.
Getting Students Career Ready
Every student needs academic and technical skills to prepare them for life and every student needs to plant their feet on a career pathway during their K-12 journey.
Moving the Needle on Literacy
To move the needle on literacy, state policymakers must consider the full spectrum of research and focus on high-quality teacher preparation, continuous professional development, and rich curriculum to meet the needs of all students.
Student Safety and Wellness
The horrific school shootings in Florida and elsewhere in 2018 sparked new rounds of questioning across the country about how to prevent such tragedies and keep students safe.
Getting to the Core of School Finance
While most state boards do not directly make funding decisions in their states, they still have the opportunity to review budget requests and appropriations and provide guidance to school districts to ensure that school spending is adequate to serve the needs of all students.
Fresh Start on School Improvement
Through the Every Student Succeeds Act, state policymakers can reset how they address low-performing schools and provide support by capitalizing on the added flexibility and approaches already adopted in many states and districts.
Stepping Up for Early Childhood Education
The impact of early childhood education is undeniable. Yet access to high-quality early education across the country remains uneven, and many children still enter elementary school unprepared.
Building on State ESSA Plans
After submitting their plans for implementing the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2017, states face challenges in ensuring the implementation of their plans keep faith with the spirit of ESSA.