Current sex equity programs and policies in several states provide instructive examples of the leadership that state education agencies (SEAs) can exercise on sex equity issues. Descriptions of state legislation and program activity related to sex equity in Massachusetts, Washington, Alaska, Minnesota, New York, Iowa, California, and Michigan illustrate the variety of approaches available. Many of these programs depend on federal funding, and many state statutes are based on Title IX of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Without federal money and the threat of federal enforcement, however, SEAs may not actively pursue sex equity goals. Progress depends on the efforts of equity specialists within SEAs and of advocacy groups exerting pressure from outside. Among the actions that SEA staff members can encourage are strengthening policy and procedural guarantees for educational equity; improving cooperation among specialists in all aspects of educational equity; incorporating equity considerations into the daily activities of staff members outside the formal equity structure; and increasing outreach efforts by equity specialists. (Author/PGD)