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

Riley said the administration will submit legislation to Congress that will expand NAGB's authority to include setting policy for the voluntary national tests. Riley's proposal is designed to assure that the voluntary national tests are responsive to and earn the confidence of parents, teachers, communities, states and local school districts.

President Clinton earlier this year proposed the annual voluntary national tests in 4th grade reading and 8th grade mathematics based on high standards for student achievement. The tests are to be based on the highly respected National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and for math, also will be linked to the Third International Mathematics and Science Study.

NAGB, an independent, bipartisan board established by Congress in 1989, formulates policy guidelines for NAEP, a series of assessments which measure student performance in a variety of subjects in grades 4, 8 and twelve. The board is responsible for selecting the subject areas to be assessed under NAEP; for setting appropriate student performance levels; for developing assessment objectives and test specifications through a national consensus approach; for developing guidelines for reporting and disseminating NAEP results; for determining the appropriateness of test items and ensuring they are free from bias, and for taking actions to improve the form and use of NAEP.

Riley and the President have noted previously that the tests will be a valuable resource for parents, teachers and school districts to use in helping states and local school districts in their efforts to raise standards and improve student achievement.

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