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

State Education Standard

January 2021Volume 21, No. 1

Equity in Rural Education

Authors of the January 2021 issue of the State Education Standard discuss the issues faced by rural schools and how the pandemic has amplified many of those issues.


September 2020Volume 20, No. 3

Next-Generation Assessment

The pandemic’s uncertain trajectory has raised new questions about state assessment and accountability systems. There is no better time for state policy leaders to reexamine their assessment systems to address long-standing challenges, say authors in the new issue of NASBE’s State Education Standard.


May 2020Volume 20, No. 2

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.


Cover Image for January 2020 Standard
January 2020Volume 20, No. 1

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.


Cover image for September 2019 Standard
September 2019Volume 19, No 3

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.


May 2019 Standard Cover
May 2019Volume 19, No 2

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.


January 2019Volume 19, No. 1

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.


September 2018Volume 18, No. 3

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.