Key Issues

Education Commission of the States is the trusted source for comprehensive knowledge and resources on education policy issues ranging from early learning to postsecondary and the workforce.

Click on a key issue below to learn more and view highlighted resources. Or, type a keyword(s) in the search bar above to find all available resources on that topic.

Resources by Topic

Find relevant resources to address education policy issues across the spectrum from early care and education to the workforce.

Trending Topics in Education

View timely resources covering the top trending issues in education policy.

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Data Systems

Review how states are developing safe and sound data systems — and using that data to improve education opportunities for students.

Early Education

Early Care and Education

Find resources that cover issues impacting young students like child care, early intervention, school readiness and the early care and education workforce.

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Funding

Find resources that focus on how funding supports systems across the education spectrum and across the country in all 50 states and territories.

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Governance

Learn about governance structures in early care and education, K-12 and postsecondary systems that impact policymaking processes.

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Postsecondary Affordability

Discover strategies states are using to address postsecondary affordability — ranging from free college programs to financial aid access.

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Safety

Discover resources that capture state efforts to prevent and respond to safety concerns in schools.

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School Choice

Explore distinctions between private and public school choice programs, relevant policies and how they’re used in states.

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School Readiness

Use these resources to assess early care and education governance resources, search trends in state legislation and support students and the workforce.

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STEM/STEAM

Learn about state policy trends and promising practices for incorporating STEM/STEAM education in schools.

Student Health & Wellness

Student Health and Wellness

Find resources that cover innovative state strategies to equitably support students’ health and wellness.

Student Learning

Discover key areas of focus in student learning like competency-based education, remote learning, assessments and interruptions to student learning.

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Teaching Profession

Learn how state policies can create strong teacher workforces by focusing on areas like preparation, licensure, compensation and supportive workspaces.

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Workforce Development

See how policies connect education, postsecondary attainment and economic development with state workforce development needs.

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