State boards of education

State Boards of Education are different in every state and have diverse policy authority. Some are created by the state constitution and others by statute. Some of their members are elected; some are appointed. In many states, it is the state board who selects the state education chief. In others, it is the governor. In 45 states, the state board adopts learning standards that all students are expected to achieve. In 31 states, state boards have primary authority over state summative assessments. In addition, most SBEs have the following authority:

1. Establishing high school graduation requirements.

2. Determining qualifications for professional education personnel.

3. Establishing state accountability and assessment programs; and

4. Establishing standards for accreditation of local school districts and preparation programs for teachers and administrators.

Regardless of their level of authority, all boards and board members have three important powers:

1. authority for adopting and revising policies that promote educational excellence and equity,

2. convening experts and stakeholders to serve as a bridge between policymakers and citizens, and

3. the power to raise questions as the citizens’ voice in education. State boards leverage these combined powers to act boldly with and for students, educators, and families.