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

Group of high school students throwing colorful confetti in the air, celebrating graduation on a sunny day i

States’ Role in Transforming High School: Evidence, Trends, and the Path Forward

High school sits at the intersection of everything states want for their young people, yet many young people say high school is not working for them. State leaders have numerous levers to incentivize high school transformation.
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.
Fashion Design Utensils i

School Improvement and Accountability

The authors in this issue share what they have learned about what is most likely to move the needle on student learning and how to ensure states and districts are directing resources toward what matters most for improving outcomes

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