Flexibility for Streamlining Tests

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) encourages states to rethink their assessment and accountability systems. Before the law goes into effect, states can utilize the flexibility offered under existing federal funds to streamline their assessment frameworks. This policy update highlights two states —Illinois and Tennessee—that have taken the initiative to evaluate and inventory their systems. It outlines ways other states can follow suit.

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State Education Elections in 2024 Yield Few Shifts

Voters in nine states, three territories, and the District of Columbia elected 64 state board candidates.

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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.

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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From the States

States Face Challenges Building a School Mental Health Workforce

Challenges persist in attracting and retaining this school-based mental health professionals, but some states, including Virginia, Ohio, Colorado, Michigan, and others, are making progress.
States Address Access to Menstrual Products in Schools

States such as Georgia, New York, Utah, and others have increasingly opted to combat “period poverty" by expanding access to free menstrual products in schools.