In the face of shifting, sometimes conflicting guidance, reopening schools is easier said than done. For communicating in uncertain times, my advice is this: Manage change with authority. State boards should make every effort to involve stakeholders early in planning. Be transparent when the information that undergirds the plan changes, and point stakeholders to trustworthy sources so they can make the best decisions possible.


Communicating in Anxiety-Laden Times





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.
Super Girl i

States That Are Leaning into Math Improvement Share Their Lessons

Amid faltering K-12 performance in math, policymakers have marshalled a host of stakeholders to tackle math improvement.
Children answer the question i

Setting Ed Tech and AI Policy for Young Children

Thirty-seven states have AI guidance for schools, but kindergarten rarely gets attention, and pre-K is left out altogether.

Upcoming Events

From the States