Governing Board Announces Five New Openings;
Nominations Being Sought for 2010

WASHINGTON—Nominations are being sought for five openings on the National Assessment Governing Board, the independent nonpartisan panel that sets policy for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) – also known as The Nation's Report Card.

Created by Congress in 1988, the Governing Board is composed of members from different backgrounds, including education, business, the general public, as well as federal, state, and local officials. Members of the 26-member panel are appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Education to serve four-year terms.

"We're looking for individuals who want to play an important role in guiding how the nation measures student achievement," said Mary Crovo, Deputy Executive Director of the Governing Board. "We want nominees who are deeply interested in and committed to addressing the variety of national education issues we face now and in the future."

The five Board openings are: a chief state school officer; a fourth grade teacher; an eighth grade teacher; a secondary school principal; and a representative of the general public. Board terms for these five positions begin on October 1, 2010. As part of their important mission, Governing Board members determine the content and design of NAEP exams and oversee the public releases of NAEP results.

Organizations and individuals are encouraged to submit nominees who have significant records of leadership or expertise and an interest in playing an important role in setting policy for The Nation's Report Card. Please download the official solicitation letter. More information is available online at www.nagb.org or by calling (202) 357-6938.

The nomination process opened Aug. 14 and closes Oct. 16, 2009. After the nominations are reviewed and finalists determined, the U.S. Secretary of Education will announce the new National Governing Board members in the fall of 2010. Governing Board members receive honoraria to attend Governing Board meetings and are considered special federal employees while they serve.