National Association of State Boards of Education

The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) is a membership organization that develops, supports, and empowers citizen leaders on state boards of education to strengthen public education systems so students of all backgrounds and circumstances are prepared to succeed in school, work, and life. A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, NASBE elevates state board members’ voices in national and state policymaking, facilitates the exchange of informed ideas, and supports members in advancing equity and excellence in public education.

State boards play pivotal roles: as the sole authority for making education policy or an influential voice in shaping it, as convener of diverse stakeholders, and as public officials who can seek and receive answers to pressing questions. State boards often set the vision for public education in the state and ensure that the policies they advance align with that vision. While their governance contexts and policy authority vary from state to state, most boards set learning standards, graduation requirements, accountability and assessment programs, and accreditation and teacher preparation standards.

With terms lasting from four to nine years, state boards were formed to serve as the stable center of education governance, capable of shepherding long-term, statewide education agendas, even as other state education leadership changes. As citizen leaders, boards amplify the citizens’ voice in education policy and engage many voices in policymaking. Board members serve with little or no compensation or support, allowing them to challenge the status quo impartially and focus on policies in the best interests of students.

For more than 60 years, NASBE has been the only organization focused solely on these boards. NASBE keeps boards apprised of the latest research evidence to support their policymaking, shares initiatives and lessons learned from other states, and gives them the tools and technical assistance they need to create the conditions for equity and excellence in their states. Through conferences, publications, webinars, trainings, and other convenings, NASBE builds members’ capacity to effectively set state policy, convene stakeholders, and ask questions.

Mission

NASBE develops, supports, and empowers citizen leaders on state boards of education to strengthen public education systems so students of all backgrounds and circumstances are prepared to succeed in school, work, and life.

Core Values

We believe in equity and excellence. We believe that students of all races, genders, and circumstances deserve the supports they need to thrive in school. We believe all students can learn at high levels and must have the opportunity to do so through state policies that address their diverse learning needs.

• We prioritize state leadership of public education: We believe that state boards of education, in partnership with chief state school officers, governors, and legislatures, are best positioned to craft, promote, and oversee state education policies.
• We empower citizen leaders: We build the capacity of state board members to question, convene, and act boldly with and for students, educators, and families.
• We elevate evidence in policymaking: We ground our resources, tools, and services in the strongest evidence available and help our members make informed decisions in the best interest of students.
• We build community: We facilitate productive dialogue and nonpartisan exchange among members with diverse perspectives, creating lasting channels for the sharing of evidence-based strategies and solutions.
• We collaborate: We promote respectful collaboration, both among our members and between our members and the broader education community.