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

January 2025Volume 25, No. 1
Connecting Schools and Communities


Authors in this issue of the Standard suggest myriad ways in which communities can be force multipliers for ensuring that all children are engaged in learning and prepared to thrive as adults. Their articles examine the roles of students, families, business leaders, tribal leaders, out-of-schooltime providers, and other community nonprofits in supporting preK-12 education systems. And they offer ways in which state leaders can foster more of the productive partnerships that are forming across the country.




Articles



Big group of people holding hands together making round circle shape. Colorful diverse friend team concept, united community or social cooperation cartoon on isolated background.

How States Are Investing in Community Schools

By Anna Maier

Plenty more for state boards to do to foster faithful implementation of a strategy that is boosting outcomes in many communities.





California Ramps Up Support for Community Schools

By Joseph Hedger and Celina Pierrottet

The state bets big on a long-term strategy to marshal resources to help the neediest students and improve their schools.





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How Tennessee Is Better Addressing Workforce Needs

By Robert S. Eby

Active, ongoing collaboration of businesses, K-12, higher education, and other partners is key.





View from the back of a happy parent who escorts his children sons and daughter to school. Back to school. Father's care for children.

Eight Ways States Can Build Better Family Engagement Policies

By Reyna P. Hernandez, Jeffrey W. Snyder and Margaret Caspe

State boards can model how to engage families in decision making and guide schools and districts in best practices.






Teacher (50s) with multi-ethnic group of elementary school children at zoo, standing on observation deck overlooking animal exhibit.

Expanding Afterschool and Summer Learning to Boost Student Success

By Jodi Grant

Too many young people miss out, while community programs struggle to stay afloat.





African-american mom mother tutor nanny childminder drawing together helping assisting with homework school project to a preteen daughter. Homeschool concept. E-learning on laptop

Leveraging Community-Based Organizations for High-Dosage Tutoring

By Jennifer Bronson and Jennifer Krajewski

Community-based organizations have the knowledge and networks to expand the proven strategy for learning recovery.






Opinion



A Navajo woman and high school teacher teaches math to her students in a classroom. Image taken on the Navajo Reservation, Utah, USA.

Relationships with Tribal Governments: A Value Add for Any District

By Bill S. Kallappa II

When tribes are invited to work side by side with the district, outcomes improve for all students.





Student Voice: So You Want to Be a Student State Board Member?

By Naomi Porter

Hang on to your why and your how becomes clear.





The NASBE Interview: José Muñoz

To really create partnerships at the local level, states can be catalyzers.





Large group of business people sitting in a row in the office. Focus is on happy businessman looking at the camera.

Data Snapshot: Reserved Seats on State Boards

By Joseph Hedger

Twenty-five states require a teacher and/or student member on their state board of education.







Featured Items

Image of a black man voting. Credit: Canva

State Education Elections in 2024 Yield Few Shifts

Voters in nine states, three territories, and the District of Columbia elected 64 state board candidates.
Cropped shot of elementary school children using a tablet in class i

Technology in Education

Savvy state leaders will set their sights on ways to broaden access to technology’s benefits, solve problems confronting educators, and protect students against the risks of misuse.
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Developing Content Standards: A Foundational Task for State Boards

State boards of education typically play a central role in approving academic content standards, though their authority varies by state. This boardsmanship review outlines guiding principles and common processes to help state boards develop high-quality standards.

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