Overview of National Assessment Governing Board Nominations

Background
Congress passed legislation in 1988 creating the National Assessment Governing Board. The legislation has been amended and reauthorized several times since 1988, most recently in 2002. The statute provides that "...the Secretary and the Assessment Board shall ensure at all times that the membership of the Assessment Board reflects regional, racial, gender, and cultural balance and diversity—and that the Assessment Board exercises its independent judgment, free from inappropriate influences and special interests."

The Board is comprised of 26 members who are widely representative of our nation and who serve four-year terms. As vacancies occur, new members of the Board are appointed by the Secretary from among candidates forwarded to the Secretary by the Board, after broad outreach to organizations and individuals. For each vacant position, the Board must nominate at least six persons who, by reason of experience or training, are qualified to serve as a Board member in a particular category. Current members of the Board who have not completed two full terms, and who are otherwise eligible, may be re-nominated.

Position Details
Board members are considered special Federal employees. As such, they receive an honorarium while attending Board meetings; must abide by applicable laws and policies, including conflict of interest regulations; and are reimbursed for travel and other expenses in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations. The Board meets regularly four times a year. Two quarterly Board meetings are held in the Washington, D.C., area and the other two meetings are conducted in cities around the United States. Committees of the Board meet at other times, as necessary.

Term
The term for each of the five positions is October 1, 2012 to September 30, 2016.

Nominations Process
For the Board to consider a candidate, it is essential to have the following information for each individual being nominated:

• Nominating letter. This letter should state the category for which the individual is being nominated, and describe the candidate's qualifications as they relate to the Board's policy responsibilities for the National Assessment of Educational Progress.
  
  
• Full resume or curriculum vitae. A full resume or vitae is necessary to evaluate a candidate's qualifications. Please note that a short biographical sketch is not sufficient for this purpose.

The nominee may wish to submit a brief statement explaining her/her interest in serving on the Board. This statement should not exceed 250 words and should accompany the nominating letter and resume or curriculum vitae.

To receive full consideration, all recommendations must be received by the Governing Board no later than September 30, 2011.

Nominations may be submitted via email or mail to:

Dr. Mary Crovo
Deputy Executive Director
National Assessment Governing Board
800 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 825
Washington, DC 20002-4233
Email to submit nominations: nagbnominations@ed.gov