This Special Report captures analysis of 42 governors’ State of the State addresses and the education-related proposals mentioned within. In 2021, governors unsurprisingly focused on the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications for students, teachers and education more broadly. The six major themes among education-related proposals this year were related to:
- Funding.
- Remote learning.
- Workforce development.
- Reopening schools.
- Student achievement and learning loss.
- Physical and mental health of students and educators.
Each year since 2005, Education Commission of the States has tracked, analyzed and identified trends in education policy accomplishments and proposals featured in governors’ State of the State addresses. For the past two years, ECS has also partnered with the National Governors Association to review education proposals in these addresses. The report includes excerpts and specific proposals from governors’ addresses, in addition to resources that dive deeper into each issue.
- See our interactive map for complete summaries of education policy priorities outlined in each governor’s State of the State address.
