National Conference of State Legislatures

This project aims to study the causes of polarization and its effects among state legislatures, examine states that solve problems well despite polarization, and draw lessons that might reduce the impact of polarization in Congress and state legislatures. The Conference will build on its 2014 survey of state legislators in case studies that look at key policymaking factors: deliberation by committees; party caucuses; inclusion of minority members in decision making; obstruction by the minority; cohesion of parties on major votes; social interactions among members; and governor vetoes and orientation toward the legislature. The project will compare states under unified and divided Democratic and Republican governments.

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) is a bipartisan organization that serves state legislators and their staffs, providing research, technical assistance, and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues. This renewal grant will continue to build momentum for college- and career-ready outcomes among state legislators. These activities will be helpful to supporting state legislative capacity as deeper learning-related reforms shift from the national and federal levels to the states for policy reform implementation.

The National Conference of State Legislatures, a bipartisan organization serving state legislators and their staffs, provides research, technical assistance, and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing issues. Most states will require legislation and policy changes to fully implement the Common Core State Standards and thereby advance deeper learning. To help this process, the organization will lead national and state workshops and discussions; provide informational materials, updates, and legislative analyses; and develop a road map to help lawmakers understand the timing and choices necessary for Common Core implementation. Through this work, legislators will gain knowledge and capacity concerning college- and career-readiness—including deeper learning skills—and the importance of the Common Core and related student assessments.