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


The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) encourages states to rethink their assessment and accountability systems. Before the law goes into effect, states can utilize the flexibility offered under existing federal funds to streamline their assessment frameworks. This policy update highlights two states —Illinois and Tennessee—that have taken the initiative to evaluate and inventory their systems. It outlines ways other states can follow suit.


Flexibility for Streamlining Tests





Featured Items

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Six Questions to Advance Media Literacy and Digital Citizenship

Adolescents consume a lot of screen media, which exposes them to potentially harmful media messages that impacts their physical, mental, and social well-being. Read how some states are equipping students with skills to navigate a complex media landscape.
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Curriculum That Counts

Authors in this issue of the Standard draw lessons from a spectrum of state policies that are being used to increase the adoption of high-quality curriculum.
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Strengthening the Principal Pipeline through State Leadership Academies

Missouri, Delaware, and North Carolina have developed evidence-based professional learning for current and prospective school leaders to increase their effectiveness and reduce turnover.

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