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

Policy Updates

February 2016Volume 23, No. 2

Beyond College Readiness: College Awareness as a First Step

This policy update highlights two state boards of education—Washington and Idaho—that have proactively sought to prepare students better for continuing their educations after high school.


January 2016Volume 23, No. 1

Shift in Emphasis in New Standards for Educational Leaders

This NASBE Policy Update compares the new Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL), with the ISLLC standards and outlines what states will need to consider as they implement changes instituted by the Every Student Succeeds Act.


November 2015Volume 22, No. 11

Promoting Student Achievement through Improved Health Policy

Education and health outcomes are linked. Yet despite a growing body of evidence tying health to academic achievement, many school systems have not established and coordinated policies, processes, and practices that will improve both health and learning of all students. State boards of education have a role to play in facilitating this effort.


November 2015Volume 22, No. 10

Addiction Trends Require States to Change School Medication Policies

State boards of education have a long history of establishing policies to govern safe medication administration, but as new and potentially controversial school health emergencies arise, state boards will need to nimbly amend and expand school emergency medication policies. This policy update highlights states that have recently acted.


October 2015Volume 22, No. 9

Aligning Leadership Preparation Programs with Student Learning Standards

This Policy Update outlines the importance of aligning principal preparation programs with the high expectations set for our school leaders and the policy levers that may help facilitate this integration.


October 2015Volume 22, No. 8

Aligning Teacher Preparation with Student Learning Standards

This Policy Update highlights the mismatch between the skills taught in many teacher preparation programs and those needed to help students achieve rigorous learning standards. State boards of education have a role to play here.


September 2015Volume 22, No. 7

Coordinating an Improved Response to Allergic Reactions in School

Allergic reactions in school settings still threaten the lives of students with alarming frequency. This Policy Update outlines state and federal requirements for stocking epinephrine and recommendations for state board members to ensure proper implementation.


August 2015Volume 22, No. 6

Opt Out Policies by State

States vary in how they respond to parents’ requests to opt children out of standardized testing. This Policy Update compiles information on each state’s response and links to guidance documents.