A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

     FOR RELEASE                                 Contact:  David Thomas      June 11, 1996                                         (202) 401-1576

The 24-member board formulates policy for the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the only nationally representative and continuing assessment of what students should know and can do in various subjects.

New members, appointed to terms ending Sept. 30, 1998, are:

• Annette N. Morgan, Missouri state representative, Jefferson City;

• Adam Urbanski, teacher and president of the Rochester Teachers Association, N.Y.;

• Gov. Roy Romer, D-Colo.

Appointed for a term ending Sept. 30, 1997 is Edward Donley, retired chairman of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Allentown, Pa.

Calvert County, Md., Superintendent of Schools William Moloney has been reappointed to serve through Sept. 30, 1996, and University of Louisville, Ky., assistant professor of special education Deborah L. Voltz was appointed for the same term.

"The national assessment provides valuable insights into the condition of American education," Riley said, "and the board tackles the essential questions -- what do we test and how do we do it? It's a very important responsibility."

The board is involved in various activities, including:

• selecting the subjects to be tested;

• identifying assessment objectives for each age and grade tested;

• ensuring that all items selected for use in the assessment are free from racial, cultural, gender or regional bias;

• identifying appropriate achievement goals.

The secretary appoints members from nominees in categories prescribed by law. The board must include governors or former governors, state legislators, educators, testing experts and curriculum specialists, as well as business and industry representatives, parents and persons representing the general public.