Three members of the Kentucky Board of Education, Roger Marcum, Jonathan Parrent and Mary Gwen Wheeler, recently completed three days of intensive training to help new board members become highly effective state education policymakers. The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) provided the training. Marcum, Parrent and Wheeler joined state board members from 20 states and territories in sessions that covered basic boardsmanship issues such as the responsibilities of boards and their members; the sequence of policy development; and using Robert’s Rules of Order as well as more advanced subjects such as how to provide effective state leadership through board actions.

“State board members who are well-informed and empowered are critical to the successful development and application of education policy and standards at the state level,” said NASBE Executive Director Brenda Welburn. “We laud the efforts of these volunteer leaders who give their time, energy and expertise to their states, and we work to support them not only at the outset of their education policymaking careers, but throughout their service.”

State boards of education are responsible for setting statewide educational standards, including high school graduation requirements and establishing statewide testing programs.

The National Association of State Boards of Education represents America’s state and territorial boards of education. NASBE exists to strengthen state boards as the preeminent educational policymaking bodies for citizens and students. For more information, go to www.nasbe.org.