State Board of Education approves final proposal to amend rules governing some of the Minimum Standards for Public Schools Approval

CONCORD, NH — The State Board of Education on Wednesday voted unanimously to approve the final proposal to amend rules governing a portion of the Minimum Standards for Public Schools Approval, which outlines regulatory requirements for the operation of public school districts and public academies. 

“This is a historic day for education in New Hampshire, as representatives from every corner of the field have worked diligently and collaboratively to build on the state’s legacy of supporting students with rules that continue local control and keep a system of learning that meets the needs of every child,” said Frank Edelblut, education commissioner. “Following three years of transparent analysis and countless hours of constructive dialogue to strengthen minimum standards, we are pleased to reach this important milestone that will continue building on the state’s strong educational foundation, which will ultimately enhance learning for every student.”

After a comprehensive, broad-reaching and robust process with active participation from numerous educators and school leaders, the State Board of Education voted Wednesday to support the first half of the Minimum Standards for Public Schools Approval, ED 306.01-306.26. These updates will now be submitted to the New Hampshire Office of Legislative Services for review by the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules. 

“This update consolidates and streamlines the minimum standards in a manner that educators can easily understand, while also enhancing a system where students demonstrate desired learning outcomes that prepare them for the real world,” said Drew Cline, chairman of the State Board of Education. “We are confident that these improvements further align the rules with the goal of competency-based learning. I’m grateful for everyone who has worked tirelessly to make this milestone a reality and we are ready to continue this great work.”

Previously, the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) engaged the National Center for Competency Based Learning (NCCBL) to lead a team in developing a draft to be brought back to the State Board of Education for review. The board has received input from a record number of professional organizations, including teachers, school boards, school administrators, special educators, principals and more. Several listening sessions have been held to gather feedback from the public. 

“This is a consequential document. I am very excited about the changes that have been made to the minimum standards and what they will mean for the continued support of students in our state. I believe they will have an important impact in moving competency-based learning forward and moving education forward in New Hampshire,” said Fred Bramante, president of NCCBL and a former chairman of the State Board of Education who has strived for decades to bring together individuals that seek a dynamic education system for the Granite State. 

The State Board of Education will next consider the second half of the document (ED 306.31-306.46) by following the same degree of thoroughness and transparency as it did for the first portion. The legislative process for rulemaking, which is laid out in RSA 541-A, allows for several checks and balances and opportunities for public comment in the rulemaking process.