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


When the U.S. Department of Education (ED) signaled that the broad waivers for state assessments it had offered in 2019–20 would not be widely offered in 2021, it sought to balance the need for student learning data to inform pandemic recovery with the very real operational challenges states face in administering tests this year.

In his confirmation hearing, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona made clear that it was not his intention to return students to the classroom for the sole purpose of testing. ED also moved to decouple the accountability provisions of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act from assessment requirements and has approved school accountability waivers for 45 states. …


State Strategies on Assessments in 2021



Related Content



Featured Items

Multiracial group of teachers walking in school hallway. Image credit: iStock i

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.
Credit: istock i

State Advances in Early Childhood Education Seed Plans for 2024

In 2023, several states made significant strides toward universal pre-K, increased funding and support for early educators, and improved literacy and math instruction.
Business people sitting on books. Image credit: iStock i

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.

Upcoming Events

From the States