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

Library education reference books on math and science STEM subjects vital for academic study in computer science, AI and engineering. i

Seven Questions State Boards Should Ask about High-Quality Instructional Materials

A shared curriculum holds the entire educational enterprise together.
Complexity of thought processes and the human mind. Thoughts, creativity, emotions, mental health, vibrant art collage. Psychology, self-analysis, mental disorders and wellbeing, cognitive processes i

States Take Next Steps on Governing AI Use in Schools

In 2026, state boards of education are likely to move beyond issuing AI guidance and toward monitoring implementation and possibly developing policies.
Happy African American teacher and elementary student talking while walking through hallway. i

States Start Up Registered Principal Apprenticeships

A handful of states have been launching federally registered apprenticeships to better prepare new principals, remove barriers to entering the profession, and combat turnover.

Upcoming Events

From the States