The Governmental Affairs Committee helps state board members understand, influence, and plan for federal education policies. In its efforts to affect national education policymaking, NASBE works to ensure that it represents the views of its members to the executive and legislative branches of the federal government, as well as to associations representing governors, state legislators, school administrators, principals, local school boards, teachers, and parents.
“This is a time of great flux in American public education. The Administration is advancing its plans for education reform, the wheels have been set in motion for the approval of common standards in most states, and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act will likely come up for renewal in 2010, with broad changes made to the existing law that will directly impact the states,” said NASBE Executive Director Brenda Welburn. “The Governmental Affairs Committee amplifies NASBE’s collective voice to members of Congress and the U.S. Department of Education. We look forward to the input and guidance the GAC will deliver to NASBE and state boards as these processes move forward.”
As a member of the 20-member panel, Ms. Cook will meet with other state education leaders, national policymakers, federal lawmakers, and education reform experts during a series of meetings, events and communications during the course of this year to share their state’s experiences and perspective, analyze federal education initiatives, promote state board of education priorities, and serve as a state education resource to congressional offices and staff.