Frequently Asked Questions

The National Assessment Governing Board sets policy for the nation’s largest ongoing assessment of what U.S. students know and can do—the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as The Nation’s Report Card. The Governing Board identifies subjects to be tested, determines the content and achievement levels for each assessment, approves test questions, and pursues innovative ways to make NAEP results more meaningful and relevant to the public. More specifics about the Board’s responsibilities can be found in the NAEP Law. The Board’s work is guided by its Strategic Vision, which includes two broad goals: inform and innovate.

Broadly representative by law, the non-partisan Governing Board includes 26 members—policymakers, state and local education leaders, principals, teachers, curriculum experts, parents, testing and measurement experts, business leaders, and general public representatives. The director of the Institute of Education Sciences serves as an ex officio, nonvoting member.

The Governing Board’s Nominations Committee solicits nominations, reviews all submissions, and makes recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Education. The secretary appoints members to serve on the Board.

Board members are seated for four-year terms and may serve up to two terms. New or renewed terms begin on the first of October.

Board meetings are held quarterly. Generally, the meetings take place from midday Thursday to midday Saturday. Board members are assigned to committees, which between Board meetings may hold conference calls, video conferences, and occasionally face-to-face meetings. The time commitment for each of these committee activities typically ranges from one to four hours per month.

Board members serve on one or more committees that focus on policy development, assessment development, reporting and dissemination, testing and measurement, and nominations. Occasionally ad hoc committees are established to focus on specific initiatives. All committee chairs and vice chairs sit on the Executive Committee.

Depending on the rules in each Board member’s state, district, or organization, they may be eligible for an honorarium of $100 per day. 

At least two meetings per year are held in Washington, D.C. One or both of the other meetings annually are held in cities across the United States, most often in the home city or state of a current Board member.

No, all travel and expenses are arranged and paid for by the Governing Board.

Any member of the general public with a strong interest in and commitment to educational progress can be nominated to serve in a general public representative position. The only restriction is that nominees cannot be employed by a local, state, or federal education agency. Two general public representative positions are reserved for parent leaders, whereas the other two positions reflect generalists in educational policy and advocacy.

Yes. Often, a person’s colleagues or friends may not realize his or her interest in serving the country in this way, so the person nominates himself or herself. The Nominations Committee receives many such self-nominated applications every year.

Nominees must submit a personal statement, curriculum vitae or resume, and at least one letter of support. Personal statements should be limited to one page and curricula vitae or resumes should be no more than six pages. For additional details see our Submission Requirements.

Yes, submissions can be edited up to the deadline of 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on October 18. Upon initial submission, nominees will receive a confirmation email that includes a PIN. To upload new or additional materials, the PIN is used to log back into the submission system.