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

Education Leaders Report   |   May 2015Volume 1, No. 1
Deeper Learning: Policies for a 21st Century Education


Many states—and state boards in particular—have articulated and supported policies to enable deeper learning. Such policies include the adoption and implementation of new college, career, and civic-ready standards that focus on deeper understanding of fewer, more essential areas of content; accountability and assessment systems that not only emphasize what students know but what students are able to do with knowledge; support for educator preparation systems that enable deeper learning competencies; and provisions for greater flexibility and innovation for schools working to prepare students for this new world. While much of this work is under way across the country, states are at different stages of implementation, and challenges remain in making cohesive connections across initiatives.

This report provides foundational principles that underlie deeper learning, explores issues, provides state examples, and includes worksheets that boards can use to facilitate discussions and come to solutions that make sense given the unique needs of each state.


Deeper Learning_Policies for a 21st Century Education




Featured Items

Two female teachers sitting at a table, having a discussion in the lobby area in the school they work at in Gateshead, North East England. They are talking about school issues together while using a laptop. i

Preparing Principals to Lead Innovative High Schools

By better aligning principal preparation, licensure, and support systems, state boards of education can unlock the potential of innovative high school models.

Annual Conference 2026

It's that time of year again: Registration is now open for NASBE's Annual Conference this October! Join us in Baltimore, Maryland, for bold conversations, big ideas, and meaningful connections.
Smart Businesswoman speech or Speaking with microphone in Seminar hall, hand gesturing protesting or belief for explaining in conference room. Speaker tedtalk is vocalized form of communication humans i

Five Questions to Ask about Having Student Members on State Boards

Twenty-four state boards of education have at least one student board member serving in a voting or nonvoting capacity. But inclusion alone does not guarantee meaningful, effective participation.

Upcoming Events

From the States