Helpful Links State Education Agencies The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nationwide, nonprofit organization composed of the public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and five US territories. Through its task forces and committees, the Council advances major education initiatives and addresses a broad range of concerns about education. Project areas include standards, accountability, administrative data collection, early childhood education, school health, teacher licensure, and the improvement of various aspects of schooling in high-poverty areas. You can link to the websites of other State Education Agencies in the U.S. and its territories through this site.