National Assessment Governing Board Deputy Executive Director Mary Crovo to retire in December after 27 years

Leaves behind legacy of innovating assessments to reflect modern technology and educational advancement

For Immediate Release: August 11, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Assessment Governing Board, which sets policy for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), will see its Deputy Executive Director Mary Crovo retire at the end of December 2016.

Dr. Crovo first joined the Governing Board in September 1989, shortly after the Board was created by Congress in 1988 to oversee NAEP — otherwise known as The Nation’s Report Card. NAEP is a large-scale assessment program that measures student achievement across the nation, in all states and 27 large urban districts. The 26-member independent and bipartisan Board is composed of local, state, and federal officials, educators, testing and measurement experts, a business representative, and members of the public.

In particular, Dr. Crovo served a guiding role in the Board’s development of a new framework for the Technology and Engineering Literacy (TEL) assessment. After nearly 10 years of research and development, TEL results for the nation were released for the first time in May 2016. During her tenure with the Board, she oversaw 15 NAEP framework development projects in diverse subject areas, including the arts. Results of that innovative assessment will be released in 2017.

“Mary has been with the Governing Board almost since its inception; her vast institutional knowledge has been invaluable to Board members, Board staff, and the public,” said Governing Board Chair Terry Mazany. “Her talents are many, and we have benefited from them all — her wisdom, intelligence, grace, and dedicated professionalism. Mary stands alone in terms of contributions to the success and legacy of the Governing Board when viewed in its entirety.”

Dr. Crovo’s numerous duties include supporting the Board’s Assessment Development Committee, which develops frameworks that form the foundation for NAEP assessments, and reviews all NAEP items. She also supports the Nominations Committee, which oversees the annual solicitation and review of nominations for new Governing Board members.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the Governing Board for nearly three decades,” said Dr. Crovo. “During that time I have worked with more than 100 outstanding Board members, several dozen dedicated staff, and other members of the NAEP family. I can think of no more rewarding professional experience.”

Executive Director Bill Bushaw added, “We will miss Mary’s knowledge, skills, and leadership — and her caring attitude and kindness to others. Mary has been an exceptional leader — the Board’s North Star and Rock of Gibraltar. Personally, I have been so grateful to know her. She is one of the finest professionals I have ever had an opportunity to work with.”

Prior to joining the Governing Board in 1989, Dr. Crovo was chief of research and evaluation for the Maryland State Department of Education. She earned her doctoral degree in research, evaluation and measurement from the University of Virginia. Before her promotion to Deputy Executive Director in 2005, Dr. Crovo served as Assistant Director for Test Development.

“Mary’s work ethic and dedication to listening to the viewpoints of Governing Board staff and members have fostered collaboration and allowed us to achieve the goals of our mission,” said Munira Mwalimu, the Governing Board’s Executive Officer. “She will be deeply missed.”

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