Minimum Standards for Public School Approval

One of the most important ways that we as a state can ensure that all young people have access to high-quality public schools is through the Minimum Standards for Public School Approval that lays the foundation for all public schools. These minimum standards, known as the public school approval rules, are laid out in State Administrative Rule ED 306 and are mandates for a school to operate in New Hampshire.

The NH Department of Education (NHED) has proposed an overhaul of the state’s school approval rules, with significant implications for public schools across New Hampshire. Explore this page to learn more about the process and its impact. 

Reaching Higher NH has distilled the major takeaways of the NHED’s overhaul into five key themes:

  1. Redefining the purpose and structure of school
  2. Hollowing out instructional requirements 
  3. Removal of local authority
  4. Lawmaking through rules
  5. Potential school funding implications

Minimum Standards for Public School Approval

YOUTUBE PLAYLIST

WATCH HERE

Most Recent Video

Review the latest proposal of changes to the rules for Minimum Standards for Public School Approval (February 15, 2024)

View Here

CURATED RESOURCES

PRESS RELEASE: An Initial Legal Review of NHED Minimum Standards Overhaul Finds Multiple Concerns

Watch the webinar: Unpacking the NHED’s Proposed Overhaul of the ED 306 Administrative Rules

PRESS RELEASE: Analysis Finds NHED’s Recommendations Continue to Overlook Significant Concerns with Minimum Standards Overhaul

Download the webinar Slides

PRESS RELEASE: Overhaul of public school minimum standards are a cause of concern for future of public education in New Hampshire

Read our report: Recommendations to Reverse Harm and Strengthen Public Schools

latest content

Granite Staters overwhelmingly oppose NHED’s overhaul of public school standards: “These threaten to eviscerate...

In response to a call by the NH State Board of Education, over 200 Granite Staters submitted written public comment on the proposal to...

Educators push back on NHED’s minimum standards overhaul: Proposal would “deny New Hampshire students...

For the past year and a half, hundreds of educators have met in small group settings around the state to review the New Hampshire...

PRESS RELEASE: An Initial Legal Review of NHED Minimum Standards Overhaul Finds Multiple Concerns

CONCORD, NH -- This week, an attorney with the New Hampshire Office of Legislative Services (OLS) released an analysis of the NH Department of...

Legislative Update: State Board receives sharp criticism of proposed minimum standards overhaul, school voucher...

Last Thursday was the halfway point of the legislative session, also known as “crossover day,” when all of the active House bills move to...

Legislative Update: Strong opposition to minimum standards overhaul; Senate passes school voucher expansion

There was sharp opposition to the NH Department of Education’s proposed overhaul of the state’s minimum standards for public school approval last week, with...

PRESS RELEASE: Analysis Finds NHED’s Recommendations Continue to Overlook Significant Concerns with Minimum Standards...

Concord, NH -- On Wednesday, the NH State Board of Education is holding the first of two public hearings on two initial proposals that...

Legislative Update: State board to hold hearing on standards overhaul; residents urge lawmakers to...

It’s a critical week for public schools in New Hampshire: the NH State Board of Education is holding its first of two public hearings...

WEBINAR: Unpacking the NHED’s Proposed Overhaul of the ED 306 Administrative Rules

At their February meeting, the NH State Board of Education voted to advance the NH Education Department’s proposed overhaul of the minimum standards for...

Legislative Update: What’s happening with the NHED’s standards overhaul? And co-ops take spotlight this...

At their February meeting, the NH State Board of Education voted to advance the NH Education Department’s proposed overhaul of the minimum standards for...

PRESS RELEASE: Overhaul of public school minimum standards are a cause of concern for...

On Thursday, February 15, the NH Department of Education is expected to introduce their proposed Minimum Standards for Public School Approval, also known as...

media coverage

Concord Monitor - May 22, 2024

Legislature’s lawyers say revisions to minimum education standards could violate the N.H, Constitution

View

SeacoastOnline - May 16, 2024

NH education chief, told changes harm public schools, says he's 'champion of children'

View

Union Leader - May 14, 2024

Edelblut discusses proposed changes to minimum education standards with Manchester officials

View

SeacoastOnline - May 8, 2024

Lawyers, lawmakers: NH Dept. of Education on verge of violating law in public schools

View

Union Leader - April 25, 2024

Megan Tuttle: '306 Rules' overhaul touches every facet of public education

View

InDepthNH - April 10, 2024

House Members Question Key Elements of Proposed Education Rules

View

Granite State News Collaborative - March 18, 2024

Educators worried about edge toward privatization, less state funding, and greater discrepancy between districts

View
See All Content on Minimum Standards for Public School Approval

Read More:

NOW OPEN: Educator Climate Survey aims to inform decision makers on the education profession 

Teacher Shortages and Recruitment Incentives
Reaching Higher New Hampshire is inviting teachers, school staff, and administrators to complete the Educator Climate Survey to inform statewide conversations about how New...
Read more

Teacher Certification and Student Outcomes: What the Research Says

For Community Members
Lawmakers are considering two bills that would allow uncertified and unlicensed individuals to teach in public schools as long as they work “part-time,” or...
Read more

Senate kicks off 2024 with public hearings on school voucher expansion, school building aid, and rebranded parental bill of rights

News
The NH Senate is opening the 2024 legislative session by re-introducing some of its most controversial legislation of 2023, including school voucher expansion and...
Read more

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and sign up for our newsletter to stay informed about current updates. And, join the New Hampshire Education Network (NHEN), our network of New Hampshire parents, educators, business leaders, and community members who are interested in education policy!

Photo by Allison Shelley/The Verbatim Agency for EDUimages

Reaching Higher NH is a nonpartisan 501c3. Our mission is to provide all New Hampshire children with the opportunity to prepare for college, for immediate careers, and for the challenges and opportunities of life in 21st century NH, by serving as a public education policy and community engagement resource for New Hampshire families, educators, and elected officials.
Contact us: staff@reachinghighernh.org
Facebook Linkedin Mail Twitter Youtube