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In their 2024 State of the State addresses, governors across the country celebrated achievements in education and shared their hopes for students’ futures. They also shared potential obstacles that their states have yet to overcome. Some governors reflected on improvements that can be made across the education pipeline, from early care and education through high school and career and technical education.
This report from the Education Commission of the States tracks, analyzes, and identifies trends in education policy accomplishments and proposals featured in governors’ State of the State addresses.
Among the report’s highlights:
- Governors in at least 36 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands mentioned workforce development and career and technical education during their addresses. They stressed the importance of ensuring students are prepared to join the workforce and noted how these programs impact economic development.
- Efforts to build a strong teacher workforce through teacher compensation and recruitment or retention efforts were brought up by at least 27 governors.
- Governors in at least 24 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands mentioned academic achievement and literacy efforts.
- At least 20 governors discussed efforts to provide quality physical and mental health services for students and school personnel.