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

Education Governance

Power of the Question

Seven Questions Boards Should Ask About Their ESSA State Plans

This analysis lays out seven big questions board members should have answered before they vote on their state's ESSA plan.

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Policy Update

ESSA Stakeholder Engagement: Early Challenges and Promising Practices

This NASBE policy update identifies five common challenges in engaging this extensive list of stakeholders, and highlights several promising practices states are using to address them. 

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Policy Update

The Impact of the 2016 Elections on State Boards of Education

The election of 2016 is generally acknowledged to be a “change” election. Voters chose a new president and ended years of divided  government by giving control of the House, the Senate, and the White House to Republicans. Did the “change” message affect the selection of new members of state boards of education?

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Education Leaders Reports

School Surveillance: The Consequences for Equity and Privacy

School surveillance poses challenges for equity and student data privacy. The authors suggest six principles to guide state policymakers toward effective policies that balance these challenges with the school safety benefits.

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State Innovations

Kansas Loops Stakeholders In on Conversation about K-12 Policy

Kansas made stakeholder engagement central to its ESSA plan and strategic planning, with lessons for other states.

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Education Leaders Reports

How States Can Advance Deeper Learning for All

States can ensure equitable access to deeper learning skills in the classroom by leveraging resources, rigor, and educational experiences.

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Boardmanship Reviews

Conflict of Interest

How state boards can avoid conflicts of interest and the appearance of such conflicts.

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Boardmanship Reviews

Building Partnerships with the State Legislature

The interests of students are usually best served when state legislatures and state boards view education policymaking as a shared responsibility.

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Policy Update

Trends in Student Data Privacy Bills in 2016

This analysis describes key elements in education data legislation introduced or passed this year and notes some states to watch.

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