The Education Commission of the States (ECS) was created by states, for states, in 1965. ECS tracks policy, translates research, provides unbiased advice and creates opportunities for state policymakers to learn from one another. ECS was founded as a result of the creation of the Compact for Education, an interstate compact approved by Congress and works with all 50 U.S. states, three territories (American Samoa, Guam and Northern Mariana Islands) and the District of Columbia.