The Council's Mission:

CCSSO, through leadership, advocacy, and service, assists chief state school officers and their organizations in achieving the vision of an American education system that enables all children to succeed in school, work, and life.

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, 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.

Established in 1927, the Council serves as an informed, pragmatic voice in representing the chief state school officers’ views on education policy. Through targeted policy and effective advocacy, the Council provides a platform for chiefs to be heard. The organization also undertakes projects to help state education agencies understand, devise, and execute policy; adopt initiatives to promote educational reform efforts; and engage in collaborative exchanges to share best practices and model solutions. In addition, the Council offers professional development to its members in a wide range of areas to build capacity at the state level.

CCSSO Annual Report, June 30, 2008

CCSSO Financial Report, June 30, 2008

CCSSO 2007-08 Annual Report

CCSSO 2005-2006 Annual Report