Southern Growth Policies Board

Southern Growth Policies Board is a non-partisan, public policy think-tank based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Formed by the region's governors in 1971, Southern Growth Policies Board develops and advances visionary economic development policies by providing a forum for partnership and dialogue among a diverse cross-section of the region's governors, legislators, business and academic leaders, and the economic- and community-development sectors.

Southern Regional Education Board (SREB)

The Southern Regional Education Board was founded in 1948 at the request of Southern leaders in business, education, and government; it was the nation's first compact for education. Over the years, SREB has worked to improve every aspect of education—from early childhood education to doctoral degrees and beyond. For a summary of what SREB does, see the 2004 Annual Report.

National Organizations

The Alliance is a national policy, research, and advocacy organization that acts on behalf of millions of at-risk, low-performing secondary school students. It works to develop a national consensus and policy agenda that will make it possible for all students to achieve high standards and graduate prepared for college and success in life.

AASA is the professional organization for educational leaders/administrators. AASA's mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to the highest quality public education for all children.

The American Federation of Teachers was founded in 1916 to represent the economic, social, and professional interests of classroom teachers.  It is an affiliated international union of the AFL-CIO.

Founded in 1943, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that represents 160,000 educators from more than 135 countries. Members span the entire profession of educators—superintendents, supervisors, principals, teachers, professors of education, and school board members.

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a national non-profit member organization that provides leadership, advocacy, and service to the chief state school officers and their organizations so that they can achieve the vision of an American education system that enables all children to succeed in school, work, and life.

The Education Commission of the States (ECS) is a national non-profit organization that gathers, analyzes, and disseminates information about current and emerging issues, trends, and innovations in state education policy to state policymakers.

The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) is a non-profit association that represents state and territorial boards of education.

NCES is the primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data that relate to education in the United States and other nations.

The National Community Education Association (NCEA) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership association that was founded in Flint, Michigan, in 1966, as the National Community School Education Association. NCEA's mission is to provide leadership to those who build learning communities in response to individual and community needs.

NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation's 50 states, its commonwealths, and territories. NCSL provides research, technical assistance, and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues. NCSL is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of state governments before Congress and federal agencies.

The National Education Association (NEA) is the oldest and largest education organization in the country. The NEA has 2.3 million members and has affiliates in every state.