National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) Market Research Report

Background

Overview

The National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) is an independent, bipartisan entity established by Congress in 1988 to oversee and set policy for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), commonly known as The Nation’s Report Card. NAEP is the largest continuing and nationally representative assessment of what U.S. students know and can do in various subjects. The NAGB's primary mission is to ensure that NAEP provides objective, reliable, and valid information on student performance to policymakers and the public at national, state, and local levels.

Mission and Vision

The NAGB's mission is to set policy for NAEP, including determining the subjects and content areas to be assessed, setting achievement levels, and overseeing the release of results. Its vision is to provide a consistent, long-term measure of academic performance across the United States, thereby informing educational reform efforts and guiding discussions about student learning.

Primary Area of Focus

The NAGB focuses on overseeing NAEP, which assesses student achievement in grades 4, 8, and 12 across various subjects, including reading, mathematics, science, and writing. By directing the content and timing of these assessments, the NAGB provides the only common yardstick to measure how educational systems are serving students nationwide.

Industry Significance

As the only nationally representative assessment of student achievement, NAEP plays a critical role in evaluating the condition and progress of American education. The NAGB's oversight ensures that NAEP remains a credible and reliable source of information, thereby influencing educational policy and practice across the country.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Policy Oversight: The NAGB sets policies for NAEP, including determining assessment subjects, content areas, and achievement levels.

Assessment Development: It develops assessment objectives and test specifications that reflect current professional standards.

Result Dissemination: The NAGB oversees the release and reporting of NAEP results to ensure transparency and public access.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Educational Assessment: Designing and implementing large-scale assessments to measure student achievement.

Policy Formulation: Developing standards and procedures for interstate, regional, and national comparisons.

Data Analysis: Interpreting assessment data to inform educational policy and practice.

Key Technologies Utilized

Assessment Tools: Utilizing advanced psychometric methods to develop and analyze assessment instruments.

Data Analytics: Employing statistical software and methodologies to interpret assessment data.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

Educational Policy Makers: Providing data to inform decisions at federal, state, and local levels.

Educational Institutions: Offering insights into student performance to guide curriculum and instruction.

General Public: Disseminating information on student achievement to foster public understanding and engagement.

Financials and Funding

As a federal entity, the NAGB is funded through appropriations from the U.S. Congress. Specific financial details, including total funds raised and recent funding rounds, are not publicly disclosed. The capital is primarily utilized for the development, administration, and reporting of NAEP assessments, as well as for research initiatives aimed at enhancing the assessment process.

Pipeline Development

The NAGB does not develop products in the traditional sense; instead, it focuses on the continuous improvement of NAEP assessments. This includes:

Framework Revisions: Regular updates to assessment frameworks to reflect current educational standards and practices.

Research Initiatives: Conducting studies to explore new methodologies and technologies for assessment.

Public Reporting: Enhancing the dissemination of assessment results to various stakeholders.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

The NAGB employs proprietary psychometric models and data analysis techniques to ensure the validity and reliability of NAEP assessments.

Significant Scientific Methods

Psychometric Analysis: Utilizing statistical models to evaluate the quality and fairness of assessment items.

Trend Analysis: Employing longitudinal data analysis to monitor changes in student achievement over time.

AI-Driven Capabilities

While the NAGB does not currently utilize AI-driven capabilities, it continually explores innovative methods to enhance assessment processes.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Lesley Muldoon: Executive Director. Lesley has a background in public service and education advocacy, serving as the Executive Director of the NAGB.

Elizabeth Schneider: Deputy Executive Director. Elizabeth supports the Executive Director in overseeing the NAGB's operations and strategic initiatives.

Tyler Cramer: Member. Tyler contributes to the NAGB's policy development and assessment oversight.

Rebecca Norman Dvorak: Assistant Director for Psychometrics. Rebecca specializes in the statistical analysis and psychometric evaluation of assessment data.

Sharyn Rosenberg: Assistant Director for Assessment Development. Sharyn focuses on the creation and refinement of assessment instruments.

Anthony White: Contracting Officer. Anthony manages contracts and procurement processes for the NAGB.

Ray Fields: Assistant Director for Policy and Research. Ray oversees policy analysis and research initiatives related to educational assessment.

Katie Carroll: Assistant Director of Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs. Katie coordinates policy development and intergovernmental relations.

Kelley Hodges: NAEP Science Assessment Steering Panel Member. Kelley provides expertise in science education and assessment.

Joshua Warzecha: Data Scientist. Joshua applies data science techniques to analyze assessment data.

Leadership Changes

In September 2025, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon appointed Tennessee Representative Mark White as Chair of the NAGB. Additionally, early literacy expert Kymyona Burk and elementary school principal Michael Sidebotham were appointed as members, with their terms starting on October 1, 2025.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The NAGB operates in the educational assessment sector, where it holds a unique position as the only nationally representative assessment of student achievement. Its primary function is to oversee NAEP, which is distinct from other assessments due to its comprehensive scope and federal mandate.

Competitor Analysis

While there are other educational assessments, such as state-level tests and international assessments, NAEP's unique role and comprehensive coverage make it a singular entity in its field.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

The NAGB collaborates with various educational organizations, research institutions, and policymakers to enhance the quality and impact of NAEP assessments. These collaborations aim to ensure that NAEP remains relevant and responsive to the evolving educational landscape.

Operational Insights

The NAGB's strategic considerations include maintaining the integrity and credibility of NAEP assessments, ensuring transparency in reporting, and adapting to changes in educational standards and practices. Its unique position allows it to influence educational policy and practice at multiple levels.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The NAGB continues to explore opportunities to modernize NAEP assessments, including potential integration of new technologies and methodologies. Future directions involve enhancing the assessment's relevance to current educational challenges and expanding its capacity to inform policy decisions effectively.