State Boards of Education provide independent citizen oversight

of education at the state level

47 states have SBEs 3 states do not have SBEs

◦ Wisconsin◦ Minnesota◦ New Mexico*

4 methods of selection◦ Appointed by Governor◦ Appointed by Legislature◦ Elected by voters of the state◦ Elected by local school boards◦ Hybrids

Range of terms◦ 4 to 9 years

Selection of the Chair◦ Elected by the SBE◦ Appointed by the Governor◦ Elected by the voters*

16 boards have student members◦ K-12, higher education, 1,2 or 3◦ Voting and non-voting

Number of members: Range from 7 to 21 Some boards must have educators/Some

boards are prohibited from having practicing educators

Oversight over K-12 and state HE system (ID, NY, RI)

Oversight over K-12 and CC system (AL, FL, IA, MI, OR --and ID and NY)

Oversight over K-12 and HE although via two groups within the SBE (PA)

All others operate only in K-12 setting (although they do often control teacher licensure and by extension connect with teacher preparation programs)

They are part of the democratic process:

1.Independent of other state-level authorities.

2.Volunteers, citizens and lay people in oversight capacity.

3.Form part of the checks and balances system.

4.Create stability and consistent direction.

State Boards offer a broad vision and diverse perspectives.  

State Boards help ensure public support for education initiatives.  

Education is different from other divisions of state government because it’s closer to home.

Education policy needs some, though not complete, sheltering from partisan politics.  

State Boards provide transparency.  

State Boards provide focus on education.  

State Boards have a built-in accountability.

State board’s create policy butauthority varies with every state.

Know your policy authority.

Setting statewide curriculum standards; Establishing high school graduation requirements; Determining teaching qualifications for professional

education personnel; Establishing state accountability and assessment programs; Establishing standards for accreditation of local school

districts and preparation programs for teachers and administrators;

Implementing federal law and administering federal assistance programs; and

Developing rules and regulations for the administration of state programs.

Methods to ensure continuous improvement

Concrete and verifiable measures of success

State boards of education play key roles in maintaining and improving the quality of public schools that include the following:

1. State boards create policies that promote educational quality throughout the state. 2. State boards advocate for a quality education for all children and youth in the state. 3. State boards connect educators and others stakeholders involved in education policy. They translate the concerns of the general public, elected officials, business leaders, and civic groups into policy and clearly communicate them to educators. 4. State boards encourage communication and consensus among all those who seek to influence current state education policies and help formulate long-range policy goals and plans.

Evidence/data/research-based Contextualized for the situation and state Comprehensive of demographics and geographics Methods to ensure continuous improvement Concrete and verifiable measures of success Be driven by your mission, values, and strategic

plan Envision the implications of implementation Concentrate on the children of your state

Be proudYour role is noble

You are an important part of our great democracy

Rise above it all Stand above the fray

Act in a manner worthy of your appointment

FOCUS ON THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERS:CHILDREN