CCSSO Board President Highlights Progress and Strength in Public Education System

Washington, D.C. (March 27, 2025) – Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Board President and Alabama Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey today delivered a State of the States address at the Council’s 2025 Legislative Conference, spotlighting the significant effort and progress states are making to improve student outcomes in math and literacy.

“All of us in this room are charged with solving the problems our schools and students face, from elevating outcomes in math and reading to making sure our schools have well-prepared teachers and leaders,” Mackey said in prepared remarks.

“And CCSSO’s track record shows we are up for that challenge. Let me remind you that in 2024, four years after convening a national literacy summit, CCSSO released A Nation of Readers: A Snapshot of States’ Progress to assess how far we had come. It noted that all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa and Puerto Rico now have state-led programs or policies in place aligned with evidence-based reading instruction.”

Mackey also highlighted the High-Quality Instructional Materials and Professional Development Network and the remarkable progress these states are making in supporting their districts to get high-quality materials into teachers’ hands.

“We know, from research, that teachers need high-quality, curriculum-based professional learning to equip them with the support and knowledge needed to bring these materials to life in the classroom and meet the needs of all their students,” Mackey said in prepared remarks. “This past year, Network states have doubled down on developing scalable solutions to ensure that teachers and school and district leaders have access to curriculum-based professional learning.”

Mackey also celebrated state education leaders’ commitment to supporting teachers through professional development and their recruitment and retention programs.

“Teaching is an incredibly rewarding job, but it’s not an easy job — especially today, with all the demands and scrutiny that come with it,” Mackey said in prepared remarks. “That’s why it is essential that we encourage bright and dedicated people to join the teaching profession and give them the support they need to thrive in the classroom.”

Mackey concluded by commending state leaders for their collaborative efforts on a common mission, to create a brighter future for students and society. “Our nation's public education system remains strong because our state education systems are strong, and that’s a credit to you and the teams you lead. Your presence here tells me you are eager to take on these challenges and to continue the progress we have made.”

Mackey’s full remarks can be viewed here.

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The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, Bureau of Indian Education, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The Council seeks member consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public.