NASBE Launches High School Transformation State Network to Enhance Student Learning and Success

Alexandria, VA—The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) is pleased to announce the launch of its new High School Transformation State Network (HSTSN). This initiative, made possible with funding from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, aims to build and enhance the capacity of state boards of education to enable richer student experiences that foster content mastery and durable skills.

Over the next two years, NASBE will recruit and lead a network of states in examining policies and implementation practices that facilitate or impede high school transformation. State teams of students, school leaders, higher education and workforce development leaders, and state boards will jointly develop action plans to streamline workflows across sectors and enable local innovation in the best interest of students.

While some students thrive in traditional high schools, K-12 state education systems often fail to engage all students with relevant, authentic learning experiences and do not always equip them with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed for postsecondary success. Recent polling by Gallup and Walton Family Foundation reveals that only 34 percent of 12th graders feel engaged in school and 44 percent of 11th graders are excited about the future. Furthermore, the system perpetuates inequities in access to rigorous college and career preparatory coursework, with high-poverty schools often lacking dual enrollment programs and advanced STEM courses compared with their low-poverty counterparts.

“Working in partnership with other state leaders, students, and schools, state boards are well positioned to set ambitious policy agendas that create richer, more rigorous, more relevant high school experiences,” said NASBE President and CEO Paolo DeMaria. “This project recognizes the critical role of state and national partnerships in driving systemic changes that can make the high school years meaningful and valuable for every student.”

NASBE will develop this project with KnowledgeWorks, a national nonprofit that helps states advance policy efforts that support innovative teaching and learning practices, and coordinate with the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. An advisory group made up of national experts in high school transformation and current high school students will provide guidance on project goals, share insights and relevant research, and facilitate connections across the state network.

“This partnership marks an important step in aligning the systems and structures that shape our students’ futures,” said Bill Hite, president and CEO of KnowledgeWorks. “We’re committed to co-designing solutions that help policymakers break down policy barriers and streamline implementation across sectors. Our goal is not just efficiency, but to create meaningful school experiences that equip our learners with the durable skills and mastery of content they need to thrive in today’s world.”

“NASBE’s commitment to high school transformation comes at a crucial time. They are an essential spoke in the wheel, and their work to transform high schools will be catalytic,” said Timothy Knowles, president of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. “When state policymakers establish clear warrants and incentives for high schools to deliver rigorous, 21st century, real-world learning for all students, everyone wins. Young people are engaged and inspired, parents see their children thrive, teachers can do their best work, and communities rise.”

In December, NASBE will recruit up to six states to join the network, whose work will kick off in 2025. Learn more about the High School Transformation State Network and opportunities for getting involved by contacting Celina Pierrottet, NASBE’s associate program director.

 

NASBE serves as the only membership organization for state boards of education. A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, NASBE elevates state board members’ voices in national and state policymaking, facilitates the exchange of informed ideas, and supports members in advancing equity and excellence in public education for students of all races, genders, and circumstances. 

KnowledgeWorks is a national nonprofit organization advancing a future of learning that ensures each student graduates ready for what’s next. For more than 25 years, we’ve been partnering with states, communities and leaders across the country to imagine, build and sustain vibrant learning communities. Through evidence-based practices and a commitment to equitable outcomes, we’re creating the future of learning, together.

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