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

Most Recent Video

As of Wednesday, August 14, 2024 the State Board of Education has adopted the final proposal of the Ed 306 rules. Read Reaching Higher NH's press release here:

CURATED RESOURCES

latest content

WEBINAR: NH’s Minimum Standards Overhaul: Where Are We Now?

The state's Minimum Standards for Public School Approval, which are the foundational requirements for all public schools to operate in New Hampshire, are being...

Lawmakers vote to delay overhaul of Minimum Standards for Public School Approval

On Thursday, September 19, 2024, the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (JLCAR) voted to table the first half of the New Hampshire Department...

Panel of lawmakers to review NHED’s proposed minimum standards overhaul on Thursday

On Thursday, September 19, 2024, the Joint Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules (JLCAR), a panel of lawmakers charged with reviewing administrative rule proposals from...

State Board of Education to consider controversial PragerU renewal, for-profit digital learning platform, and...

On Monday, September 16, 2024, the New Hampshire State Board of Education will consider requests on several highly consequential -- and controversial -- proposals...

PRESS RELEASE: NHED Approves Minimum Standards Overhaul

Concord, NH -- Today the NH State Board of Education voted to approve the NH Department of Education’s proposed changes to the Minimum Standards...

NHED moves forward with minimum standards overhaul despite concerns; vote scheduled for Wednesday 

On Wednesday, August 14, 2024, the NH Department of Education (NHED) is expected to put forward their final proposal for one section of the...

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...

media coverage

InDepthNH - August 14, 2024

State Education Board Adopts Controversial New Rules

Concord Monitor - May 22, 2024

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

SeacoastOnline - May 16, 2024

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

Union Leader - May 14, 2024

Edelblut discusses proposed changes to minimum education standards with Manchester officials

SeacoastOnline - May 8, 2024

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

Union Leader - April 25, 2024

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

InDepthNH - April 10, 2024

House Members Question Key Elements of Proposed Education Rules

Read More:

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

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

Teacher Certification and Student Outcomes: What the Research Says

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...

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

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...

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