National Assessment Governing Board, Which Sets Policy For The Nation's Report Card, Seeks Nominees

WASHINGTON, Aug. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The independent, bipartisan board that oversees the nationwide assessments that gauge what America's students know and can do in nearly a dozen academic subjects will have five openings next year, and is seeking nominations from the public.

The National Assessment Governing Board (www.nagb.gov) wants the public to help identify qualified candidates for the positions—which include spots for two teachers and one principal—to serve four-year terms beginning October 1, 2014.

Congress established the 26-member Governing Board to set policy for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as The Nation's Report Card. In overseeing The Nation's Report Card—the assessment of student performance in grades 4, 8 and 12—Governing Board members identify subjects on which students will be assessed, determine the content and achievement levels, approve all questions and take steps to improve how the results are reported.

"Board members are part of a prestigious group that has the opportunity to determine what research needs to be conducted, define the criteria for academic success, and guide the process of helping all students achieve," Governing Board Chair David P. Driscoll said.

The Governing Board welcomes nominations for these five categories:

• Secondary school principal
• Fourth-grade teacher
• Eighth-grade teacher
• Chief state school officer
• General public representative  

New Governing Board members will also play a vital role in shaping these initiatives:

• Research studies on students' academic preparedness for college and job training
• A parent engagement initiative
• Innovative computer-based assessments
• A computer-based assessment of technology and engineering literacy at grade 8

By law, the membership of the Governing Board must reflect regional, racial, gender and cultural balance and diversity.

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will make the appointments from a list of finalists presented by the Governing Board. Members serve as special federal employees. Terms are October 1, 2014, through September 30, 2018. The Governing Board meets four times a year.

"The work of the National Assessment Governing Board is so critically important," Duncan said. "The only way that we can promise all of our young people a genuine opportunity is through a world-class education."

To nominate an individual or yourself, submit a letter stating the nomination category and a description of the candidate's qualifications related to the Governing Board's responsibilities in setting policy for NAEP. Also submit a full resume or curriculum vitae. Nominees may submit an optional statement (250 words or less) explaining their interest in serving on the Governing Board. Include your email address as well as that of your nominee(s) in your submission.

The deadline for submitting nominations is October 18, 2013. Respondents should send materials via mail or email to:

Dr. Mary Crovo
Deputy Executive Director
National Assessment Governing Board
800 N. Capitol St. NW, Suite 825
Washington, DC 20002-4233
Email: [email protected]

For additional information, please visit http://www.nagb.org/nominations2014 or contact Mary Crovo at (202) 357-6941 or via email at [email protected].

The National Assessment Governing Board is an independent, bipartisan board whose members include governors, state legislators, local and state school officials, educators, business representatives, and members of the general public. Congress created the 26-member Governing Board in 1988 to oversee and set policy for NAEP.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is the only nationally representative, continuing evaluation of the condition of education in the United States. It has served as a national yardstick of student achievement since 1969. Through The Nation's Report Card, NAEP informs the public about what America's students know and can do in various subject areas, and compares achievement among states, large urban districts, and various student demographic groups.

SOURCE National Assessment Governing Board