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

College, Career, and Civic Readiness

The Standard - Article

Telltale Signs of Rigor and Career Readiness in High School

State boards can take a lesson from schools that already dish up rigorous assignments in college- and career-ready courses alike and ensure more schools do it.

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The Standard - Article

A New Architecture for High School Learning

State leaders should retire the Carnegie unit and open the door for high school designs that ensure learning is engaging, relevant, experiential, and competency based.

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Power of the Question

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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The Standard - Article

Merging High School and College: The Early College High School Model

Six elements in statewide law and policy pave the way for effective programs that help more students thrive in college courses while they are still in high school.

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State Innovations

States Sketch ‘Portraits of a Graduate’

While their entry points and approaches to the work differ, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, and Washington have all drawn up profiles that many call the North Star of their state education systems.

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State Innovations

With New Diploma, Indiana Takes Step toward Remaking High School

As part of Indiana's high school transformation efforts, the state has adopted a new diploma framework with seals tied to college, career, or military pathways, offering students more flexibility and clearer outcomes.

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State Innovations

Kentucky’s Homegrown Approach to Rethinking High Schools

Kentucky is using community-driven portraits of a learner to guide high school redesign, focusing on local flexibility, more relevant assessments, and vibrant learning.

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State Innovations

Washington State Board Seeks Shift to Mastery-Based Learning

Washington’s new Profile of Graduate anchors its push for mastery-based learning and new graduation requirements, driving more meaningful high school experiences.

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Commentary

States Convene to Advance High School Transformation

NASBE’s High School Transformation State Network (HSTSN) gathered last month in Indianapolis alongside partners from KnowledgeWorks and the Carnegie Foundation. Teams from California, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, New York, and Washington convened to center student voice, collaborate across states, and consider how to reshape the high school experience and drive systems change. HSTSN’s Student Advisory Council […]

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The Standard - Article

Sustaining Gains at the Pre-K to Kindergarten Transition

Better alignment in policy and practice can ensure that the skill boosts from pre-K persist throughout the elementary years.

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The Standard - Article

Promoting Students’ Well-Being during the Transition to High School

Academic success in ninth grade requires supports for healthy social and emotional development.

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The Standard - Article

Prioritizing the Measures of K-12 Success That Matter Most

State leaders can drive real system improvements by rewarding K-12 schools for helping students succeed after high school.

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The Standard - Article

FAFSA as a Pathway to Postsecondary Education

Learning from early adopters of universal FAFSA can help other states design and implement effective policies.

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The Standard - Article

Supporting Students in the Middle Grades

Academic success, engagement, attendance, and postsecondary preparation hinge on smooth transitions at the center of K-12.

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