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

Policy Updates

April 2020Volume 27, No. 4

Supporting Child Care Providers amid COVID-19

Early education and child care centers both large and small are facing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 emergency. State boards can play an important role in supporting them during this difficult time.


April 2020Volume 27, No. 3

Continued Learning during COVID-19

States are issuing guidance with an eye toward equity to help schools implement continuous learning for all students and adapt to a variety of needs and circumstances amidst widespread school closures from COVID-19.


April 2020Volume 27, No.2

State Boards Wrestle with Graduation Policy during Pandemic

States acted quickly to suspend end-of-year assessments and amend graduation requirements for high school seniors amid COVID-19. This policy update highlights trends in state guidance around graduation and grade advancement and how some are addressing inherent equity challenges.


March 2020Volume 27, No. 1

Developing Policy to Prevent Youth Suicide

State boards of education can be leaders in addressing youth suicide by collaborating on model policies that help ensure students have the proper supports and learning environments to thrive.


November 2019Volume 26, No. 6

Tackling the Lack of School-Based Lead Testing

This NASBE analysis explores why many school districts are not testing for lead and how state policymakers can take active measures to change that.


November 2019Volume 26, No. 5

Harnessing Service Learning to Build Social, Emotional and Academic Skills

Service learning opportunities help develop students' social, emotional, and academic skills.


September 2019Volume 26, No. 4

Supporting Educators through Employee Wellness Initiatives

By creating opportunities and infrastructure for employee wellness programs, state boards of education and other policymakers can foster the physical and emotional well-being of teachers and school leaders. 


April 2019Volume 26, No. 3

Governors Draw Roadmap toward Common Ground on State Education

In 2019, almost all governors spoke on education concerns in their "state of the state addresses," including school funding, career and technical education, postsecondary funding and financial aid, early childhood education, and teacher pay.