State Education Leaders Look to Peers for Help Navigating Tough Issues at Start of NASBE Annual Conference
DENVER—Oct. 16, 2014—The largest annual gathering of members of state education boards began three days of meetings discussing everything from Common Core State Standards to health policies.
One expert described it as a year of “major transitions” for state boards. Members of the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) serve as unbiased brokers for education decision-making, focusing on the big picture, articulating the long-term vision and needs of public education, and making policy based on the best interests of the public and young people.
The theme of this year’s conference is “Leaders Learning from Leaders.” NASBE members noted that this is the first year of full Common Core implementation, with states scheduled to assess students under the new state standards for English and math. In addition, they expressed eagerness for congressional action on reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
In the first general session, Thomas J. Gentzel, executive director, National School Boards Association, and Kristen Amundson, executive director, NASBE, shared ideas about how these local and state boards can work together to improve schools. They both agreed there are forces that try to drive “wedges” between state and local boards and that ongoing dialogue can prevent such divisions.
Gentzel said, “School boards aren’t a special interest group; they are representing the constituents who elect them.”
Amundson believes that state boards should engage with communities in a clear strategic planning process and then present the plan they will be trying to implement.
There were suggestions about how little things can improve understanding, such as an information packet that can help local and state boards understand each other’s roles.
The meeting covered a range of issues, including early learning, the academic impacts of state health policies, and policy and practice to help turnaround schools. Steve Barnett, director, National Institute for Early Education Research, told attendees that state per-pupil spending on pre-kindergarten programs has dropped by more than $1,000 in the past decade. He urged NASBE members to push for more investments and to learn from each other about quality early learning programs.
The first David A. Kysilko Award, named after a longtime senior NASBE executive, was presented to its namesake for his service to the association. In his honor, NASBE announced a partnership with Project UNIFY®, which brings students of different abilities together to create supportive relationships. Project UNIFY operates in nearly 3,000 schools in 45 states. The project integrates Special Olympics programs into a youth-led model of student engagement and focuses on developing school communities where all youth are agents of change—fostering respect, dignity and advocacy for people with intellectual disabilities.
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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 assure responsible lay governance of education. Learn more at www.nasbe.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Adam Shapiro
202-427-3603