For Immediate Release: April 18, 2016

Contact: Renee Rybak Lang, renee.lang@nasbe.org, 703-740-4841

NASBE Statement on RAND Teacher Study: States Must Commit to Improving Teacher Supports

Alexandria, Va. – Today the RAND Corporation released its anticipated survey of thousands of American teachers, shedding light on several key areas where states can help teachers engage in instruction that will help students meet rigorous state standards in math and English. NASBE Executive Director Kristen Amundson released this statement about the study:

“RAND’s new survey of American teachers offers profound insights both into how far states have come in supporting teachers and how far we still have to go. The report highlights how hard teachers across the country are working to change their practice as they implement challenging new state standards for all students. But it also reveals that teachers do not yet have the proper support and the resources they need to make those higher standards a reality in every classroom, particularly in classrooms that serve our nation’s highest-need students.

“NASBE members believe a high-quality education is a civil right for every child. RAND’s report points out too many states have not yet achieved that goal. Supporting teachers with improved professional learning and higher-quality educational materials will be central to that task. State boards of education are strongly committed to this work and ensuring teachers receive the supports they need to educate all students regardless of their zip code.”

Earlier this month, NASBE published a policy update outlining ways state boards can ensure professional development standards mirror the skills and goals that students are expected to attain. The report is part of a series that reintroduces the NASBE Standards-Based Leadership Framework, which places learning standards at the center of state education systems where it becomes the lens through which state boards view policy development.

The National Association of State Boards of Education represents America’s state and territorial boards of education. Our principal objectives are to strengthen state leadership in education policymaking, advocate equality of access to educational opportunity, promote excellence in the education of all students, and ensure responsible lay governance of education. Learn more at www.nasbe.org.

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