BOARD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PARTICIPATES IN AASA VIDEO SERIES ON EDUCATION ISSUES

WASHINGTON (September 21, 2009)—National Assessment Governing Board executive director Cornelia Orr discussed upcoming and ongoing initiatives related to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) as part of a new video interview series by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA).

This month, AASA unveiled an online library that will house education-related materials, including videotaped interviews with education experts and leaders. In a nine-minute Q&A to inform the audience of school administrators, Orr gave details on current work related to NAEP, or the Nation's Report Card, for which the Governing Board sets policy.

The interview included discussion on efforts for using NAEP to report on 12th grade preparedness and to assess reading and math skills of 12th-grade students on a state level. Orr also discussed NAEP achievement levels—performance standards showing what students should know and be able to do in various subjects—and frameworks, the content and design of each NAEP subject area assessment.

Download the videotaped interview.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress 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 American students know and can do in various subject areas and compares achievement between states, large urban districts, and various student demographic groups.
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 a congressionally authorized project sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. The National Center for Education Statistics, within the Institute of Education Sciences, administers NAEP. The Commissioner of Education Statistics is responsible by law for carrying out the NAEP project.