Public Education Positions of the National Association of State Boards of Education

PREAMBLE

The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) believes people are the nation’s most important resource, and that free, high quality public education is of paramount importance to the strength of this country, the preservation of society, and the well-being of its people. Public education remains a foundation of democratic values, of citizen participation in the community, and of the nation’s promise of equal opportunity for all.

The members of NASBE believe that all children can achieve high standards of learning, and are committed to making decisions that put the needs of young people ahead of all other considerations. Every individual child must be given the support to develop to his or her full potential. We therefore pledge to continue leadership efforts to improve public education by promoting effective state-level administration, quality education, equal opportunity, and adequate and equitable resources for each and every student.

Because achievement of these goals is a continuing process, NASBE encourages its members, in cooperation with students, families, educators, local school board members, business and community leaders and other interested citizens, to regularly examine their state’s educational goals, policies and programs, and the means of achieving them. (1997)

State boards of education are advocates for all children and for public education. They reflect two deeply held American values—citizen governance of education and the separation of educational policymaking from partisan politics.

Download the full PDF version of NASBE's 2009 Public Policy Positions by clicking the following link: