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 for students of all races, genders, and circumstances.

Our mission and core values reflect our steadfast commitment to empowering members with the services and tools they need to create the conditions for all students in their states to achieve excellence across multiple domains. Read NASBE’s strategic plan, adopted in fall 2018. 

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.

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.