NASSP policy issue briefs discuss pertinent legislation, research, and policy positions on key federal and state education issues impacting the PreK –12 continuum. These more than 40 policy briefs reflect NASSP’s priorities and translate our values into specific recommendations for federal, state, and district policymakers and school leaders. For further information or questions, email [email protected] 

 Each policy brief consists of four parts: 

  • Issue at a Glance: The current state of the issue and its importance to school leaders and students. 
  • NASSP Position: NASSP’s beliefs, values, and vision for improving educational outcomes for all students related to the issue. 
  • Recommendations for Federal and State Policymakers: Specific actions, legislation, and funding that federal policymakers (including but not limited to members of Congress, Department of Education officials, and The White House) and state policymakers (including but not limited to state legislators, governors, state boards of education, and state secretaries of education) should enact around the particular issue to better support students, educators, and schools and improve educational outcomes. 
  • Recommendations for School District Leaders and School Leaders: Policy-to-practice implementation advice and guidance with key points for advocacy at all levels. 

Each issue for which NASSP has an official policy position can be accessed below, including links to download PDFs.  

  1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Usage
  2. Charter Schools
  3. Class Rank
  4. Comprehensive Literacy Education
  5. Corporal Punishment
  6. Culturally Responsive Schools
  7. Digital Equity
  8. Drug, Alcohol and Other Substances
  9. Early Learning and PreKindergarten (Pre-K)
  10. Educator Diversity
  11. Federal Funding and Support for Secondary Education
  12. High-Stakes Assessment
  13. Highly Effective Principals
  14. Immigration Support for School Leaders
  15. The Importance and Accessibility of Student Activities
  16. Leadership Development
  17. LGBTQ+ Students and Educators
  18. Marketing of Tobacco and Vaping to Children and Youth
  19. Mental Health
  20. Online Learning
  21. Opt-Out of Assessments
  22. Poverty and Its Impact on Students
  23. Preparing All Students for Postsecondary Success
  24. Principal Pathways and Training
  25. Principal and Teacher Shortage
  26. Private Instructional Services
  27. Private School Vouchers
  28. Professional Compensation for Principals
  29. Racial Justice and Educational Equity
  30. Raising the Compulsory School Attendance Age
  31. School Discipline
  32. Student Data Privacy
  33. School Facilities and Infrastructure
  34. School Ratings and Rankings
  35. School Resource Officers and Law Enforcement in Schools
  36. School Safety
  37. Supervision and Evaluation
  38. Supporting Principals as Leaders in Special Education
  39. Teacher Quality and Leadership
  40. Trauma-Informed Schools