Jane Goff, Congressional District 7 representative to the Colorado State Board of Education, participated in an intensive 3-day orientation for new members of state boards of education from around the country in Washington, DC from July 18-20. The annual training session, called the New State Board Member Institute, introduces first-time state board members to their new role and responsibilities as state education policymakers. Board members from nineteen states attended the conference hosted by the National Association of State Boards of Education.

NASBE Executive Director Brenda Welburn said, "State boards wield considerable authority, and public awareness of their importance and influence is growing as state boards continue to lead reforms of their state's educational systems. Most states do not have a formal orientation process for new board members. We provide an organized format for participants to fully understand all of their duties and become better board members."

Session topics included fundamentals like the policymaking process as well as more advanced subjects such as how to provide effective state leadership through board actions. Board members were also given pointers on effectively communicating with the media.

State board members serve as volunteers responsible for setting statewide educational standards, including high school graduation requirements, teacher professional qualifications, and establishing statewide testing programs.

Goff was elected in February to fill a vacancy in the CD 7 seat on the State Board and is currently campaigning throughout the district for re-election in November. CD 7 includes parts of Adams, Arapahoe, and Jefferson counties, and the cities of Arvada, Aurora, Bennett, Brighton, Commerce City, Edgewater, Golden, Lakewood and Wheat Ridge. All or parts of eleven school districts are within CD 7.

NASBE is the professional association of state board members. Its primary mission is to strengthen state leadership in education policymaking and assure responsible lay governance of public education. The New Member Institute is a service provided to NASBE's members free of charge, including all travel, meals, and associated costs.