News Releases
States Saved $8.3 Million on Tech Buying
Savings by state, fiscal year 2018
SREB states saved $8.3 million in technology purchases in fiscal year 2018. Schools, universities and agencies in each of the 16 SREB states are eligible for discounts through SREB collaboration with the Midwestern Higher Education Compact.
Carney of Kentucky and Smith of Louisiana Elected as SREB Legislative Committee Officers
State Representative John “Bam” Carney of Kentucky was elected chair of SREB’s Legislative Advisory Council at the group’s annual meeting in Louisville this month. State Representative Patricia Smith of Louisiana was chosen as vice chair.
Sloan Foundation’s Elizabeth Boylan Honored with Frank Abbott Award
Elizabeth S. Boylan, director of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation’s programs on STEM higher education programs, was honored with the 2018 Frank Abbott Award at the Institute on Teaching and Mentoring in October in Arlington, Virginia.
Since joining Sloan in 2011, Dr. Boylan has been responsible for the attendance of more than 1,000 Sloan scholars at the Institute and leads the design of a number of sessions at the event.
University of Arkansas Faculty Member Wins National Mentor of the Year Award
Ana Julia Bridges, an associate professor in the University of Arkansas department of psychological science, was awarded one of two national Faculty Mentor of the Year awards at the 25th annual Institute on Teaching and Mentoring in October in Arlington, Virginia. The Institute is the nation’s largest annual gathering of underrepresented Ph.D. students and college faculty members of color.
Cornell Faculty Member Wins National Mentor of the Year Award
Chris Fromme, an associate professor at Cornell University in Ithica, N.Y., was awarded one of two national Faculty Mentor of the Year awards at the 25th annual Institute on Teaching and Mentoring in October in Arlington, Virginia. The Institute is the nation’s largest annual gathering of underrepresented minority Ph.D. students and college faculty.
Promises Kept in Oklahoma
SREB review of financial aid program
Oklahoma’s Promise is an effective college scholarship program that meets its goals and helps the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education increase education attainment in the state, according to a report from the Southern Regional Education Board. The report cited Oklahoma’s Promise as “an example of how a state can invest valuable resources in its students and see a strong return on that investment.”
How States Prioritize Readiness in School Accountability Plans
New reports detail ESSA plans, with a focus on college and career readiness
How are states’ new school accountability plans focusing on college and career readiness?
Many SREB states went above and beyond the basic requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act, which addresses readiness but does not require a comprehensive approach. An SREB analysis of state plans across the South identifies five ways states prioritize readiness for all students, statewide. They used the law’s flexibility to:
A 25-Year March Toward Faculty Diversity
Institute on Teaching and Mentoring, Oct. 26-28 in D.C.
The nation’s largest gathering of Ph.D. students and faculty members from minorities underrepresented in higher education. A new National Science Foundation-funded study shows that the Institute is an important complement to university training in doctoral programs.
With School Network, SREB Will Seek Math Solutions
Birmingham-area schools focus on 8th and 9th grade math
Twelve schools in Jefferson County, Alabama, are working together to improve 8th and 9th grade math through a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grant to the Southern Regional Education Board.
West Virginia Moves Ahead on Graduation Rates
"Looking Closer" State Progress Reports 2018
West Virginia continues to improve public education on several key measures, according to the 2018 state progress reports from SREB. The reports detail demographic trends, student data from early childhood to postsecondary education, and the state’s implementation of key policies. Full release >
Virginia Moves Ahead on K-12 Reading, Math
"Looking Closer" State Progress Reports 2018
Virginia continues to improve public education on several key measures, according to the 2018 state progress reports from SREB. The reports detail demographic trends, student data from early childhood to postsecondary education, and the state’s implementation of key policies. Full release >
Texas Moves Forward on Math, Attainment
"Looking Closer" State Progress Reports 2018
Texas continues to improve public education on several key measures, according to the 2018 state progress reports from SREB. The reports detail demographic trends, student data from early childhood to postsecondary education, and the state’s implementation of key policies. Full release >
Tennessee Moves Ahead on Graduation Rates
"Looking Closer" State Progress Reports 2018
Tennessee continues to improve public education on several key measures, according to the 2018 state progress reports from SREB. The reports detail demographic trends, student data from early childhood to postsecondary education, and the state’s implementation of key policies. Full release >
South Carolina Moves Ahead on Grad Rates
"Looking Closer" State Progress Reports 2018
South Carolina continues to improve public education on several key measures, according to the 2018 state progress reports from SREB. The reports detail demographic trends, student data from early childhood to postsecondary education, and the state’s implementation of key policies. Full release >
Oklahoma Moves Ahead on Pre-K, Access to ACT
"Looking Closer" State Progress Reports 2018
Oklahoma continues to improve public education on several key measures, according to the 2018 state progress reports from SREB. The reports detail demographic trends, student data from early childhood to postsecondary education, and the state’s implementation of key policies. Full release >
North Carolina Moves Forward in Reading, Math
"Looking Closer" State Progress Reports 2018
North Carolina continues to improve public education on several key measures, according to the 2018 state progress reports from SREB. The reports detail demographic trends, student data from early childhood to postsecondary education, and the state’s implementation of key policies. Full release >
Mississippi Moves Forward in Reading, Math
"Looking Closer" State Progress Reports 2018
Mississippi continues to improve public education on several key measures, according to the 2018 state progress reports from SREB. The reports detail demographic trends, student data from early childhood to postsecondary education, and the state’s implementation of key policies. Full release >
Maryland Moves Forward on Graduation Rates
"Looking Closer" State Progress Reports 2018
Maryland continues to improve public education on several key measures, according to the 2018 state progress reports from SREB. The reports detail demographic trends, student data from early childhood to postsecondary education, and the state’s implementation of key policies. Full release >
Louisiana Moves Forward in College Enrollment
"Looking Closer" State Progress Reports 2018
Louisiana continues to improve public education on several key measures, according to the 2018 state progress reports from SREB. The reports detail demographic trends, student data from early childhood to postsecondary education, and the state’s implementation of key policies. Full release >
Kentucky Moves Ahead in Reading, Graduation
"Looking Closer" State Progress Reports 2018
Kentucky continues to improve public education on several key measures, according to the 2018 state progress reports from SREB. The reports detail demographic trends, student data from early childhood to postsecondary education, and the state’s implementation of key policies. Full release >
Georgia Moves Forward In College Persistence
"Looking Closer" State Progress Reports 2018
Georgia continues to improve public education on several key measures, according to the 2018 state progress reports from SREB. The reports detail demographic trends, student data from early childhood to postsecondary education, and the state’s implementation of key policies. Full release >
Florida Moves Ahead in Pre-K, Graduation Rates
"Looking Closer" State Progress Reports 2018
Florida continues to improve public education on several key measures, according to the 2018 state progress reports from SREB. The reports detail demographic trends, student data from early childhood to postsecondary education, and the state’s implementation of key policies. Full release >
Delaware Moves Forward on Graduation Rates
"Looking Closer" State Progress Reports 2018
Delaware continues to improve public education on several key measures, according to the 2018 state progress reports from SREB. The reports detail demographic trends, student data from early childhood to postsecondary education, and the state’s implementation of key policies. Full release >
Arkansas Moves Forward in Pre-K, Graduation
"Looking Closer" State Progress Reports 2018
Arkansas continues to improve public education on several key measures, according to the 2018 state progress reports from SREB. The reports detail demographic trends, student data from early childhood to postsecondary education, and the state’s implementation of key policies. Full Release >
Alabama Moves Forward in Reading, Graduation
"Looking Closer" State Progress Reports 2018
Alabama continues to improve public education on several key measures, according to the 2018 state progress reports from SREB. The reports detail demographic trends, student data from early childhood to postsecondary education, and the state’s implementation of key policies. Full release >
Access: The Web and the Law
10 Issues in Education Technology for Policymakers
Making digital content accessible is a critical issue not only for schools and colleges to pursue their mission to reach and teach all students, but because it’s the law.
The U.S. Department of Education estimates that 13 percent of public school students, and 11 percent of postsecondary students, have disabilities. To do their best work they need access to all the information and resources their fellow students have. Federal law has been working to see that they do, most recently with new web content standards that went into effect in January.
Arkansas, Alabama And Missouri Educators, South Carolina School Win National Readiness Awards
Leadership in preparing students for success in high school and after
Three educators and a South Carolina high school were honored this week with Southern Regional Education Board awards. These recognize outstanding teaching and leadership with SREB Readiness Courses, which help underprepared students succeed in high school and postsecondary studies. The winners were honored at SREB’s Readiness Courses Institute in Orlando, Florida.
Educators Honored at High Schools That Work Conference
Gene Bottoms Pacesetter School Awards
School districts, school principals and state agencies in Alabama, Kentucky, Texas and other states were recognized at the 32nd Annual High Schools That Work Staff Development Conference in Orlando for their efforts to transform education locally.
James E. “Gene” Bottoms Pacesetter School Awards recognize schools that use HSTW Key Practices to transform teaching and learning and motivate students to succeed in college, careers and life.
Educators Win 2018 Literacy and Math Awards at National Conference
These teachers, trainers, schools and districts were honored for their outstanding literacy and math practices at SREB’s College- and Career-Readiness Standards Networking Conference July 9, 2018 in Orlando, Florida.
Orlando Hosts Thousands of Educators for SREB Conferences July 9-14
Teachers, Leaders Convene to Help Students Graduate Ready for College, Careers
About 3,500 teachers, principals and other K-12 educators from states across the nation gather in Orlando next week at conferences hosted by the Southern Regional Education Board.
Pruitt Succeeds Spence as SREB President
Stephen L. Pruitt has succeeded David S. Spence as president of the Southern Regional Education Board. The former Kentucky commissioner of education is the sixth president in SREB’s 70-year history.
Spence was named president emeritus by the Board and will remain active at SREB for several months during the transition.
Governor Edwards of Louisiana Re-Elected Chair of the Southern Regional Education Board
Chancellor Johnson of Oklahoma is vice chair
LAC officers are Senator Millar of Georgia and Representative Carney of Kentucky
Atlanta, Georgia — June 26, 2018 — Governor John Bel Edwards of Louisiana was re-elected to serve another one-year term as chair of the Southern Regional Education Board. He was re-elected at the organization’s annual meeting in Boca Raton, Florida, on Sunday.
Puerto Rico Joins Distance Ed Agreement
SARA collaboration among states expands online options for students, reduces costs for institutions
Puerto Rico was approved by the Southern Regional Education Board to join the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)
Stephen Pruitt Selected as Next President of the Southern Regional Education Board
Dave Spence Plans to Retire This Summer
Stephen L. Pruitt will serve as the next president of the Southern Regional Education Board. The former Kentucky commissioner of education and senior vice president for Achieve joins SREB in July.
Gene Bottoms, Leader of School Improvement, Retires from SREB
Dale Winkler Named SREB Vice President for School Improvement
After a 61-year career of making school work for students, Gene Bottoms has retired from his role leading school improvement programs for the Southern Regional Education Board.
And after a two-year transition period, Dale Winkler now takes on those responsibilities as SREB vice president for school improvement.
“Gene Bottoms is a giant in the world of improving education for all students,” said SREB President Dave Spence. “What he has built will help students, teachers and states for decades to come.”
Readiness Course Updates, Training and Grants
Course Updates: May 2018
Updated SREB Ready courses will be posted at SREB.org/Ready during May 2018. The Ready for College courses (Literacy Ready and Math Ready) will be updated. The new Ready for High School courses will be complete and available for schools to download by the end of May.
10 Critical Issues in Educational Technology
To improve education, address critical technology issues now
SREB’s Educational Technology Cooperative has launched a 10 Issues in Education Technology initiative to help policymakers focus on the tech issues most critical for education across K-12 and higher ed today.
College Attainment Continues to Climb, Slowly
Trends are promising. Affordability is a challenge.
Despite recent declines in undergraduate college enrollment, trends in high school graduation and K-12 enrollment look promising for continued gains in education attainment rates, according to the latest Fact Book on Higher Education from the Southern Regional Education Board.
In the SREB region:
SREB President Search
The Executive Committee of the Southern Regional Education Board has launched a search for the organization’s next president, to succeed Dave Spence, who will retire in summer 2018.
Identify Students with Dyslexia Early, and Use Proven Strategies to Teach Them
States, schools can help more children learn to read well
Dyslexia affects at least one in 10 people. But only 5 percent of them are identified so that schools can help them learn to overcome their difficulties with reading and writing.
A new policy brief from the Southern Regional Education Board urges states and schools to identify students with dyslexia and intervene early to help more children meet reading benchmarks.
Interactive Reports Distill New School Accountability Systems in SREB States
What's in your state's plan?
SREB has published interactive reports on school accountability plans in 16 states. With a focus on college and career readiness, state profiles distill complex information about each state’s plan to help policymakers understand and compare accountability measures.
Texas Surpasses 100 SARA-Approved Institutions
“Texas is always happy to be the first; especially in initiatives that are good for both students and institutions,” said Rex Peebles, assistant commissioner of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. As the 48 states and territories in SARA work towards getting institutions SARA-approved, Texas announced that it is the first state to reach 100 institutions approved. Pennsylvania at 93 institutions, and Illinois at 84, remain a close second and third.
New report recommends state actions on reading in the early grades
Far too few students read proficiently by 4th grade
Only a third of students in SREB states read at or above grade level by the end of third grade — leaving two thirds at risk of not graduating high school on time or succeeding in college.
Louisiana, Virginia and West Virginia Join Distance Ed Agreement
Colleges in the Three SREB States Expand Online Program Access Through State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA)
Louisiana, Virginia and West Virginia have been approved by the Southern Regional Education Board as the first SREB region states to become members of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA). Virginia has an effective operational date of today; Louisiana and West Virginia have an effective operational date of December 1, 2014.
SREB Launches Commission College Affordability in the South
The Southern Regional Education Board today launched the Commission on College Affordability in the South to focus state policies on the goal of affordability for students.
SREB Commission Focuses on Critical Role of Community Colleges
Pathways from K-12 to Certificates, Degrees and the Workforce
The Southern Regional Education Board’s Community College Commission convened this week in Atlanta, charged with recommending ways to strengthen the role of community and technical colleges in raising educational attainment in Southern states.
SREB Outlines Elements of Outcomes-Based Funding Policy for College Completion
States that want to use the way they fund higher education to increase college completion should clearly define their statewide goals, funding sources and measures, emphasizing number of graduates over graduation rates, says a new policy brief from the Southern Regional Education Board.
Florida Joins Distance Ed Agreement
SARA collaboration among states expands online options for students, reduces costs for institutions
The state of Florida was approved by the Southern Regional Education Board to join the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)
FIU Professor Receives National Award for Mentoring Graduate Students of Color
Dr. Dionne P. Stephens, an assistant professor of psychology at Florida International University in Miami, was presented one of two national Faculty Mentor of the Year Awards on Oct. 28 at the nation’s largest gathering of underrepresented minority Ph.D. students and faculty.
PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY ASSISTANT DEAN RECEIVES NATIONAL MENTORING AWARD
Dr. Stephanie Danette Preston, interim associate dean for graduate student affairs and assistant dean for graduate educational equity at Pennsylvania State University, was presented one of two national Faculty Mentor of the Year Awards on Oct. 28 at the nation’s largest gathering of underrepresented minority Ph.D. students and faculty.
Simmons Professor Wins National Award for Support of Ph.D. Students of Color
Dr. Stacy Blake-Beard, a professor at the Simmons School of Management in Boston, was awarded the Distinguished Service Award on Oct. 28 at the nation’s largest gathering of underrepresented minority Ph.D. students and faculty.
S.C. State professor presented national award for her work with Ph.D. students of color
Dr. Sheila Witherspoon, an associate professor of counselor education at South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, was presented one of three national Extra Mile Awards on Oct. 28 at the nation’s largest gathering of underrepresented minority Ph.D. students and faculty.
NASA OFFICIAL PRESENTED NATIONAL AWARD FOR WORK WITH PH.D. STUDENTS OF COLOR
Dr. Roosevelt Johnson, deputy associate administrator of NASA, was presented one of three national Extra Mile Awards on Oct. 28 at the nation’s largest gathering of underrepresented minority Ph.D. students and faculty.
TEMPLE UNIVERSITY VICE PROVOST PRESENTED NATIONAL AWARD FOR WORK WITH PH.D. STUDENTS OF COLOR
Dr. Zebulon Kendrick, the vice provost at Temple University in Philadelphia, was presented one of three Extra Mile Awards on Oct. 28 at the nation’s largest gathering of underrepresented minority Ph.D. students and faculty.
Nation’s largest gathering of minority Ph.D. students
Institute addresses shortage of faculty members of color
WHAT
The nation’s largest gathering of minority Ph.D. students, graduates, and college faculty members. Led by the Atlanta-based Southern Regional Education Board’s Doctoral Scholars Program, the conference brings together more than 900 Ph.D. students and graduates from minorities underrepresented in higher education.
Commission Calls for Data Systems to Improve Teacher Preparation
States can take the first step now to learn what works
Building strong data systems on teachers’ education and early careers may be the single best way to improve teacher preparation, says a report from the Southern Regional Education Board Teacher Preparation Commission.
Study Shows 3 High-Impact Strategies for States
Aligning Classroom Materials to State Readiness Standards
How have schools managed the massive shift of aligning classroom teaching materials to their states’ college- and career-readiness standards?
New reports from the Southern Regional Education Board detail how states approached the challenge and recommend strategies to focus on as the work continues.
Educators Honored at High Schools That Work Conference
Excellence in Action Awards
School districts, school principals and state agencies in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, West Virginia and other states were recognized at the 31st Annual High Schools That Work Staff Development Conference in Nashville for their efforts to transform education locally.
Mississippi, Arkansas Educators Win National Readiness Awards
Outstanding leadership in improving college readiness for high school students
Four educators were honored this week for their work to help underprepared students succeed in high school and postsecondary studies. Mary Zluticky of Horn Lake High School in Mississippi, Phil Wesson of Sheridan High in Arkansas, and Marla Davis and Jean Massey of the Mississippi Department of Education won SREB awards.
Educators Win 2017 LDC, MDC Awards at National Conference
These teachers, trainers, schools and districts were honored for their implementation of the Literacy Design Collaborative and Mathematics Design Collaborative frameworks at SREB’s College- and Career-Readiness Standards Networking Conference July 10, 2017, in Nashville, Tennessee.
Governor Edwards of Louisiana Re-Elected SREB Chair
Senator Elliott of Arkansas is vice chair
LAC officers are Representative Baker of Alabama and Senator Millar of Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia — June 30, 2017 — Governor John Bel Edwards of Louisiana will serve a second one-year term as chair of the Southern Regional Education Board. He was re-elected at the organization’s annual meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Sunday.
Kentucky’s New Nursing Career Pathway
A Clearer, Faster Route to Credentials and Degrees
Educators, employers create a seamless pipeline from high school to high-demand health careers
Atlanta, June 19, 2017 — A new nursing pathway in Kentucky will accelerate high school students’ attainment of industry-approved certifications, licensures and credentials, culminating in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Switching Gears
Jefferson County Schools Implements New Strategies to Improve Instructional Practices & Student Success
How do schools transition from failing — or simply getting by — to thriving? What does it take to get truly different results for students? With a mission of preparing more students to succeed in college and the real world, education leaders are beginning to face the tough realization that they must evaluate what they’ve done in the past and make some fundamental and intentional changes to get better results for students of all backgrounds.
Data, Data Everywhere
… But not a Byte to Use
What works in teacher preparation? How well do a college of education’s graduates perform in the classroom? And do we really have a shortage of teachers?
For the most part, we don’t know.
Strong data systems are the most promising component to improve how colleges prepare teachers for their jobs, but bringing them into being hasn’t been simple, said Jim Wyckoff of the University of Virginia
SREB Commission Calls for States to Focus Policy on College Affordability
States, colleges, families share responsibility
Need-based aid for low-income students should be a priority
Leaders from 16 states are calling for states to elevate affordability for students — especially those from low-income families — as the top priority of their higher education finance policies and practices.
SREB Commission Urges Expanding K-12 Computer Science Education
Members challenge states to help more students pursue degrees and careers in computing fields
Atlanta, December 6, 2016 — As schools celebrate Computer Science Education Week, the Southern Regional Education Board today released the report of its Commission on Computer Science and Information Technology.
Kentucky and Pennsylvania Join Ed Agreement
This week, Kentucky and Pennsylvania were approved by the Southern Regional Education Board to join the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). These states bring the number of participating states to 44, plus the District of Columbia.
New Tools, Research Strengthen Nation’s College Advising Capacity
New resources are available to help school counselors and college access advisors assist students during the college admission process.
The Council of National School Counseling and College Access Organizations has launched a new website containing tools for college advising.
SREB Launches Insights Interactive Data
Online Tool Benchmarks Trends, Policies and Actions to Meet State Standards
SREB Insights interactive data tool is a user-friendly new way to navigate complex education topics and inform decisions and practice. State policymakers, thought leaders and education leaders can understand and compare trends, policies and recommended actions for reaching college- and career-readiness standards.
SREB Doctoral Scholars Visit StoryCorps to Talk Importance of Mentoring
In less than one month, over 1,000 minority doctoral scholars will gather for the 23rd Institute on Teaching and Mentoring, hosted by the SREB-State Doctoral Scholars Program. During this one-of-a-kind meeting, scholars will network, meet with college recruiters, and attend insightful workshops. The goal: provide students with the tools they need to become successful professors.
Data Systems Should Be Secure Tools for Learning
SREB Releases Policy Brief
As states pass new data laws for schools, policymakers should ensure these policies address transparency, privacy, security, collection, use and sharing. Most important, these systems should drive student learning and protect student and employee privacy. A new brief, Data Privacy and Security, from SREB’s Educational Technology Cooperative provides states with clear recommendations for education data policies. This brief is a useful overview on two education data topics — privacy and security.
MSU’s Parisi to serve on Southern Regional Education Board
STARKVILLE, Miss.–Domenico “Mimmo” Parisi, executive director of the National Strategic Planning and Analysis Research Center (NSPARC) at Mississippi State University, has been appointed to the Southern Regional Education Board by Gov. Phil Bryant.
West Virginia State University is 1,000th SARA Member
Major milestone in building nationwide access to distance learning
West Virginia State University is the 1,000th institution to participate in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), a nationwide initiative of states and institutions that makes distance education courses more accessible to students across state lines and makes it easier for states to regulate and institutions to participate in interstate distance education while improving consumer protection.
High Schools That Work Conference Recognizes Good Work in Education
School districts, school principals and state agencies in Georgia, Kentucky, West Virginia and other states were recognized at the 30th Annual High Schools That Work Staff Development Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, for their efforts to transform education
Educators Win Readiness Awards at National Conference
Outstanding leadership in improving college readiness for high school students in Arkansas, Mississippi and North Carolina
Five educators were honored for their work to help underprepared students succeed. These Southern Regional Education Board awards recognize outstanding teaching and leadership with SREB Readiness Courses, which help underprepared students succeed in high school and postsecondary studies.
States Make Progress in Outcomes, Policy
SREB State Progress Reports Detail Growth Toward Goals
SREB states continue to improve public education by several key measures, according to a new report from the Southern Regional Education Board.
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Educators Win LDC, MDC Awards at National Conference
Teachers, trainers, principals, schools and districts from Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina and Kentucky were honored for their success with literacy and math teaching strategies.
Governor Hutchinson Reflects on Term as SREB Chair and Strides in Computer Science Education
Welcomes Governor Edwards
Arkansas’s Governor, Press Shop >
Governor Edwards of Louisiana Elected Chair of the Southern Regional Education Board
Edwards also leads new commission on teacher preparation
Little Rock, Arkansas — June 26, 2016 — Governor Jon Bel Edwards of Louisiana was elected chair of the Southern Regional Education Board at the organization’s annual meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas, on Sunday.
Gov. Edwards Elected Chair of the Southern Regional Education Board
Elevating the dialogue
Office of the Governor, Newsroom >
DE, DC, NC and SC Join Distance Ed Agreement
SARA helps make distance education more accessible across state lines
Atlanta, GA — Delaware, District of Columbia, North Carolina and South Carolina are now members of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement. Forty states plus DC — close to 1,000 institutions — now participate in SARA.
Conferences Connect Educators to Strategies That Work
Louisville hosts High Schools That Work and College- and Career-Readiness Networking Conferences
Louisville, Kentucky, expects thousands of educators from around the nation in July.
Go Alliance Academy Launches Platform for Counselors
New and updated courses for college, career advising
SREB’s Go Alliance has expanded and relaunched its online training for college and career counseling. The program is designed for school counselors, principals, teacher-advisors and other educators.
State leaders call for improved early childhood learning
Commission issues recommendations for higher quality, better coordination
Atlanta, GA —Leaders from across the 16 Southern Regional Education Board states are calling, in a major new report, for states to raise the quality of early education programs and ensure they are well-coordinated across different agencies and budgets.
Alabama, Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi and Texas Join SARA
SARA helps more states make distance education more accessible across state lines
Atlanta, GA — This week, Alabama, Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi and Texas were approved by the Southern Regional Education Board to join the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). These states bring the number of participating states to 34, with over half of the SREB states now participating in SARA.
SREB Launches Technical Assistance for State Career Pathway Systems
Leaders from 16 states convene to advance postsecondary credential attainment
Teams from 16 states come together later this week at the Southern Regional Education Board’s annual State Leaders’ Forum to collaborate on strengthening career pathways that bridge the gap between high schools, community and technical colleges, and high-paying jobs.
Go Alliance Joins New Council to Boost Student Readiness
Go Alliance is one of nine national organizations joining forces to help school counselors and other professionals support students as they prepare for college and careers. Collaboration in service to students is the goal of the new Council of National School Counseling and College Access Organizations, which aims to identify the competencies, knowledge and skills professionals need to advise students for postsecondary access and success.
ACT Participation Grows in SREB Region
Average scores hold steady as test-taking rate increases
Atlanta, GA — Nine of 16 SREB states saw an increase in average composite ACT scores for the class of 2015, and six others matched their composite score from 2014. The admission test results were released today by ACT Inc. Nationwide, the average score for the class of 2015 was 20.1, the same as it was in in 2014.
High-Quality Pre-K Yields Lasting Gains for Children
Brief brings together the research on "fade-out"
The body of research on benefits of pre-K shows that quality is key to long-term gains and that early investments yield larger returns, especially for high-risk children.
Governor Hutchinson of Arkansas Elected Chair
of the Southern Regional Education Board
Chancellor Johnson of Oklahoma is vice chair, Senator Plymale of West Virginia treasurer.
Arkansas, Oklahoma and Tennessee Join Distance Ed Agreement
27 states now participate in SARA, the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement
Atlanta, GA — Arkansas, Oklahoma and Tennessee were approved by the Southern Regional Education Board this week to join the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). These three bring the number of participating states to 27.
North Carolina: Early and widespread adoption for math readiness
State news about SREB Readiness Courses
North Carolina adopted transition courses early. The state’s Essentials for College Math course is based on SREB Math Ready units, and the state trained more than 150 teachers in 2014-15 and an additional 90 in summer 2015.
Mississippi: Readiness endorsement for teaching certificates
State news about SREB Readiness Courses
In the summer of 2015, the Mississippi Department of Education trained more than 200 teachers — more than 60 in Literacy Ready and 160 in Math Ready. To support these teachers, Mississippi created an SREB Ready endorsement. The state affixes an SREB Literacy Ready or SREB Math Ready endorsement to the certifications of teachers who complete the initial training and the online follow-up training.
Arkansas: A commitment to literacy as well as math
State news about SREB Readiness Courses
2013 legislation in Arkansas calls for the high schools to assess students before they graduate from high school and offer transitional courses for those who do not meet college- and career-readiness standards. In response, the Arkansas Department of Education trained more than 300 educators to teach the SREB Readiness Courses — more than half of them for the Literacy Ready course, demonstrating a major commitment to literacy in Arkansas.
Commission Charts Path to Credentials for All
Double the number of young adults with relevant certificates and degrees
Atlanta, GA — The Southern Regional Education Board today released the recommendations of its Commission on Career and Technical Education and moved forward with plans to help states implement them.
Community Colleges in the South
Commission Calls for Readiness Reforms, Clear Pathways
Education and policy leaders recommend reforms to help community college students move down a well-defined path to degrees and careers.
Academic Common Market: Out-of-State Degrees, In-State Rates
College Access Across State Lines, Tuition Savings
Atlanta, GA — Now is the time when parents and students are starting to shop for colleges for fall enrollment. For residents of any Southern Regional Education Board member state, SREB’s Academic Common Market enables them to pursue out-of-state college degrees at in-state tuition rates, through agreements among the states, colleges and universities. ACM makes available more than 1,900 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
States lay strong foundation for classroom observations:
Classroom observation systems that improve teaching require sustained commitment
Atlanta, GA — Teachers could see substantial gains in the classroom if state and district leaders commit to fleshing out new observation systems over the long run, according to a February report
Reports Show How States Are Implementing Readiness Standards
Next phases move forward, toward goal of higher student achievement
Atlanta, GA — States have accomplished an enormous amount of work to implement their college- and career-readiness standards
Early Childhood Commission Focuses on Quality Programs, Teaching to U.S. High Schools
Commission Begins Work This Week
Frankfort, KY — November 13, 2014 — The Southern Regional Education Board Early Childhood Commission convenes leaders this week from 16 states to study effective ways to improve preschoolers’ access to high-quality early learning. The Commission’s charge is to recommend policies that will give more young children a solid start when they enter school.
SREB Adds Health Informatics to Advanced Career Offerings
8 Career Pathway Curricula Available to U.S. High Schools
Atlanta, GA — The Southern Regional Education Board has added Health Informatics to the Advanced Career (AC) curricula available to all high schools.
Nation’s Largest Convening of Minority Ph.D. Scholars
Institute on Teaching and Mentoring draws 1,300 doctoral students, faculty members
Atlanta, GA — Almost 1,300 minority doctoral students, faculty members and education leaders from across the country convene in Atlanta this week to focus on issues that face new and aspiring faculty members of color. The goal of the Institute on Teaching and Mentoring, the largest gathering of minority Ph.D. scholars in the nation, is to address the shortage of minority faculty in college classrooms and labs around the nation.
SREB Launches Commission College Affordability in the South
Atlanta, GA — The Southern Regional Education Board today launched the Commission on College Affordability in the South to focus state policies on the goal of affordability for students.
NRCCTE Joins SREB
Career-technical education research center augments school improvement
Atlanta, GA — The National Research Center for Career and Technical Education has joined forces with the Southern Regional Education Board, bringing together two leading organizations focused on improving the quality of career-technical education in public high schools.
SREB Field Tests Courses to Help Close the Readiness Gap
Transitional courses prepare students to succeed in college and careers
Atlanta, GA — In collaboration with partner states, the Southern Regional Education Board is field testing two courses to prepare more students for college and careers when they graduate from high school. The SREB Readiness Courses are designed to prepare students to start college in credit-bearing courses instead of remedial classes.
Average ACT Scores Rise Overall in SREB Region
Number of students continues to grow
Atlanta, GA — Average ACT composite scores increased overall from 2013 to 2014 in the Southern Regional Education Board region, with 10 of 16 SREB states seeing an increase in scores. The number of all graduating seniors who took the test while in high school rose 3 percent. The data were released today by ACT Inc.
Tennessee Hosts 5,500 Educators for SREB Conferences
Melinda Gates Speaks with Teachers at Monday Keynote
Melinda Gates Speaks with Teachers at Monday Keynote
Atlanta, GA — About 5,500 teachers, principals and other K-12 educators from states across the nation gather in Nashville this week at conferences hosted by the Southern Regional Education Board to help students graduate from high school ready for college and careers. All meetings take place at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.
Governor Beshear Elected to Second Term as Chair of the Southern Regional Education Board
Kentucky Governor Will Lead New Commission on Pre-K Education
Louisville, KY — Governor Steve Beshear of Kentucky was elected to a second term as chair of the Southern Regional Education Board at its annual meeting in Louisville, Kentucky.
State Rep. Hugh Blackwell Appointed to Southern Regional Education Board Legislative Committee
Morganton, NC — State Rep. Hugh Blackwell of Valdese, N.C., has been appointed to the Southern Regional Education Board’s Legislative Advisory Council by North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory.
Nation’s Outstanding High School Seniors Honored for Educational Achievement
Atlanta, GA — More than 6,000 high school seniors across the nation will receive the 2014 High Schools That Work (HSTW) Award of Educational Achievement this spring from the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB).
The Award of Educational Achievement recognizes high school seniors at HSTW and Technology Centers That Work (TCTW) schools who not only complete a rigorous high school curriculum but also demonstrate their readiness to succeed in the work place or in further education after graduation.
SREB Reports Progress on Standards Implementation in 15 States
Atlanta, GA — Comprehensive and wide-ranging work to implement the Common Core and other rigorous readiness standards is well underway, according to Southern Regional Education Board reports that document progress in 15 states.
The State Implementation of Common Core State Standards reports identify exemplary states and practices so others can learn from them as they continue their efforts. SREB’s in-depth review documents trends across states as well as challenges such as aligning other reforms with the standards.