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

May 2025 — Volume 25, No. 2
Transitions


Change is a challenge, and it is a built-in, recurring feature of K-12: preschool to kindergarten, elementary to middle school, middle to high school, and high school to postsecondary life. Each juncture presents new demands. Many students readily rise to meet them, but others face barriers that they need added adult support to overcome. State policymakers have a role in ensuring that schools work together to prepare students to transition well.

The authors in this issue of the Standard address the perils confronting students at each crossover.




Articles


Asian elementary age girls wearing graduation caps and gowns smile while standing inside school.

Sustaining Gains at the Pre-K to Kindergarten Transition

By Robert C. Pianta and Christina Stephens

Better alignment in policy and practice can ensure that the skill boosts from pre-K persist throughout the elementary years.





Portrait of a child boy getting off the school bus

Supporting Students in the Middle Grades

By Creed Dunn, Judy Frank and Allyson Morgan

Academic success, engagement, attendance, and postsecondary preparation hinge on smooth transitions at the center of K-12.





Lower part of teenage girl in casual shoe walking up outdoor colorful stair,teenage lifestyle successful concept

Promoting Students’ Well-Being during the Transition to High School

By Briana A. López and Aprile D. Benner

Academic success in ninth grade requires supports for healthy social and emotional development.





a female construction worker stands behind a builder's level on a building site. Behind her a co-worker walks across the development .

Prioritizing the Measures of K-12 Success That Matter Most

By Ryan Reyna

State leaders can drive real system improvements by rewarding K-12 schools for helping students succeed after high school.





Girl With Backpack Entering To Computer Classroom.

FAFSA as a Pathway to Postsecondary Education

By Alessandra Cipriani-Detres, Anika Van Eaton and Elizabeth Wood

Learning from early adopters of universal FAFSA can help other states design and implement effective policies.





Walking, happy and girl with friends at university for learning, bonding and talking with fun. People, school and group of gen z students commuting outdoor ready for education at college campus.

How Illinois Gets Students Ready for College and Careers

By Emily Rusca

State leaders build coherent policies and frameworks to help communities guide students through their postsecondary paces.





Children cross the obstacle

Supporting Students with Disabilities in Transitioning to Adulthood

By Jennifer K. Migliore, Jessica Ellott, Kimberly J. Osmani and Lydia Dempsey

A collaborative approach can improve students’ outcomes.






Opinion


A group if University students sit on the grass outside on

Connecting Students and Policymakers in North Carolina

By Ian House

NC Student Voice Connect involves students in policy development through frequent, short, anonymous digital surveys on pressing issues.







Featured Items

A young university student female is practicing her welding skills i

Demonstrating Skills of Value

State education leaders are focused on ensuring students graduate ready for life after high school—but how do students know they’re building valuable, transferable skills, and how will employers and colleges recognize them?
Piggy bank wear mortarboard and green calculator on wooden table with white wall background copy space. Private student loan, student debt, repayment plan, expense , money management, scholarship and so on concept i

Advancing High Schoolers’ Financial Literacy

Forty-one states now require personal finance education for graduation. This analysis examines state financial literacy approaches and key drivers for success.
Close up of a little girl looking at some futuristic holograms. Concept: Technology, future, graphics i

Five Questions for State Boards to Ask about AI in Schools

GenAI is creating tremendous opportunities but also posing considerable risks and challenges for schools.

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