RD65 - Education Commission of the States 2014 Annual Report


Executive Summary:
Almost 50 years ago, an interstate compact known as the Education Commission of the States was created to help states work together to improve education policy and policymaking. The rationale for the formation of the Education Commission of the States in 1965 remains fundamental to our existence today.

While many states feel like their education policy challenges are unique, their issues are often common. In most cases, at least one state already has addressed specific education issues through effective policy. By sharing the facts on what has worked and what has not, states can learn from the successes and failures of others.

Good education policy comes from this type of collaboration across all state education leaders, from governors to school administrators, from both political parties. When education leaders have opportunities to work together and learn from one another within a state, across states and across the aisle, they create better policy and better education systems for students.

The function Education Commission of the States serves today is more important than ever. Not only is education more complex than it was 50 years ago, but today’s jobs demand higher quality and higher levels of education. As states work to better support students’ education, they rely on the services we provide.

Here is just a small sample of how we supported education policy leaders in 2014:

• Our policy experts responded to more than 500 requests for information, on topics ranging from early learning and English language learners to school finance and teacher quality.

• We provided legislators, governors’ offices, state education agencies and national media with clear and thorough analysis of important policies, always within 24 hours.

• Our staff made well over 100 visits to more than 35 states for legislative hearings, conference presentations and meetings with education stakeholders.

• We offered an opportunity to network with more than 500 of your peers at our 2014 National Forum on Education Policy in our nation’s capital.

2014 was a great year for the Education Commission of the States; we grew as an organization and certainly expanded our support to state education leaders. We are excited to celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2015 and continue to support better education policy of for all students in all states.

Call us anytime and let us know how we can support you!

/s/ Jeremy Anderson
President, Education Commission of the States