Education Policy

Education Policy

Educators and policymakers need supportive policies to improve schools. We partner with states and districts to develop those policies and advocate their adoption at the district, state and federal levels. In papers, blog posts and presentations nationally, we highlight good policy practices.

Recent Education Policy Projects

Maryland

We partnered with Maryland as it undertook a comprehensive re-envisioning of both its assessment and accountability systems. The Center helped develop and coordinate a broad-based task force to help define policy priorities, which we documented in a comprehensive report that outlined clear recommendations to improve assessment and accountability.

National Assessment Governing Board

Scott Marion is one of three measurement professionals on the 26-member board that sets policy for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the “Nation’s Report Card.” In this role, he helps support the technical quality of the assessment and advocates for strong policies to support it.

Policy briefs, blogs and webinars

We work to build support for federal and state policies to support high-quality assessment and accountability systems that ensure that all students have a fair opportunity to learn meaningful content and skills. Two short papers, “The Case for State Testing” and “The Case for Statewide School Accountability Systems,” are recent examples of this work.

Recent Education Policy Blog Posts and Papers

Three people standing side by side, smiling at the camera with trees and a building in the background.

Building on a Strong Foundation: A New Chapter of Leadership at the Center

As three new leaders take the helm at the Center for Assessment, they share their vision for the future and the commitments that will guide them.
September 24, 2025

Chris Domaleski: The Center’s New Executive Director

Chris Domaleski becomes the Center's executive director on Sept. 18. In this interview, he discusses his plans and priorities.
September 17, 2025

Carla Evans: New Associate Director of the Center

Carla Evans becomes an associate director of the Center for Assessment on Sept. 18. In this interview, she discusses her plans and priorities.
September 10, 2025

Juan D’Brot: New Associate Director of the Center

Juan D’Brot becomes an associate director of the Center for Assessment on Sept. 18. In this interview, he discusses his plans and priorities.
September 3, 2025

Changing State Assessments Won’t Improve Student Learning

If we want students to learn more, we must engage them with good teaching and meaningful content.
August 6, 2025

Preserving the Human Connection in the Age of GenAI in Schools

Generative AI cannot replace the relationships among adults and children that are crucial for healthy development and learning.
July 16, 2025
A family is looking at a tablet in the kitchen.

Statewide Assessments Are Critical for Informed Public School Choice

As public school choice expands, state tests play an increasingly important role: providing a common benchmark to help families evaluate their options.
July 9, 2025
Three young women sitting at desks with laptops.

Navigating Formative Assessment in Mathematics: Lessons from Rincon Valley Union School District

A recent project to build professional learning communities that support teachers in formative assessment shows the importance of flexible leadership.
July 2, 2025
Several people sitting at a table with laptops, typing on keyboards.

Zero-based Assessment System Design

How an idea from budget management can help school districts break the logjams they face when they try to get rid of unnecessary tests.
June 25, 2025

The Secret to Making Policy Stick: Getting the Advice You Need

Policies don’t implement themselves. Three key advisory groups can help states move from concept to classroom.
May 7, 2025
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