Join the Board
Be a Leader on the National Assessment Governing Board
Nominations Open Tuesday, September 3!
The National Assessment Governing Board (Governing Board) oversees and sets policy for the Nation’s Report Card, also called the National Assessment of Educational Progress or NAEP. The Governing Board is an independent, nonpartisan board that determines the subjects and content NAEP assesses, sets achievement levels, and hosts the release of results.
This September, the Board will accept nominations for five open Board positions. Qualified nominees ready to improve student achievement for all are encouraged to submit an application. Appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Education, members will serve terms that begin October 1, 2025.
Open Positions
Each seat of the Governing Board is appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Education and is designated to represent specific expertise and perspective. The open positions are:
A nominee must be a current principal of an elementary school at time of applying and must anticipate being in that role the following fall when appointments are made by the U.S. Education Secretary. Principals of a combination elementary/middle school are eligible. Vice and assistant principals are not eligible. Retired or former principals are not eligible.
While circumstances can change unexpectedly, applicants should anticipate having standing in the category for the full four year term for which they are applying. However, an elementary school principal who experiences a change in status during their term can complete their term.
General public representative nominees should have community- or policy-based expertise in K-12 education. Nominees cannot be employed by a local, state, or federal education agency, such as a department of education.
In order to honor legislative intent around Board membership representing all the designated categories fully, applicants should not apply for membership in the General Public Representative category if they meet the criteria for any other category (i.e., Local School Board Member, Testing & Measurement Expert, Chief State School Officer, etc.)
Current or former Democrat Governor. Both Governor slots cannot be members of the same political party.
Current or former Republican Governor. Both Governor slots cannot be members of the same political party.
A nominee shall have training and extensive experience in the field of psychometrics and testing in education and be working actively in the field.
Board members are leaders who work together to refine the Nation’s Report Card’s design, content, and reporting; increase its relevance and value; and maximize its quality, utility, and efficiency to meet the challenges and opportunities of the next decade.
Our Powered By NAEP campaign shows how educators and policymakers use the Nation’s Report Card to design and implement policies and practices that drive progress for students. Our members have become powerful voices on education issues relevant to NAEP.
Explore op-eds and other commentaries they have authored.
Board Duties Includes:
Make NAEP results more meaningful and relevant to the public. See examples of skills and knowledge demonstrated on NAEP. |
Develop NAEP achievement levels (NAEP Advanced, NAEP Proficient, and NAEP Basic), which represent what students should know and be able to go. Read about this process. |
Identify what NAEP subjects are tested and when. See our latest assessment schedule. |
Develop frameworks, which determine the content of each NAEP assessment. Review our newest frameworks in Science, Reading, and Math. |
Approve test questions. Explore sample questions and test yourself. |
Nominate Colleagues or Yourself for the Board
Nominations will be accepted between September 3 and November 1, 2024 online on this page. Candidates can nominate themselves or be nominated by someone else.
All nominations must include the nominee’s personal statement, resume, or curriculum vitae, and at least one, but no more than three, letters of support.
Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Legislative Roles and Responsibilities for NAEP
- E-mail additional questions or to sign up for nominations updates