As one of the independent, nonpartisan members of the National Assessment Governing Board (NABG), Fordham University Fellow, GSE Scholar in Residence, and Ciszek Hall Rector (the community for Jesuits in formation at Fordham University) Rev. Joseph O’Keefe, S.J., has been tapped for a second and final four-year term on the board. He will continue his work as a nonpublic school policymaker, helping set policy for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as The Nation’s Report Card. O’Keefe provides a voice on the board for the 9.5% of U.S. children who are educated in private schools, 70% of whom are attending school at a faith-based institution. “The Fordham University Graduate School of Education is honored to have Reverend O’Keefe serving in this capacity,” stated GSE Dean Virginia Roach. “The time and dedication required for this national appointment is substantial and the work is critical to understanding the long-term achievement of American students.”
Overall, the 26 members of this prestigious board are broadly representative, and include the following under the NAEP law:
- Two governors, or former governors, of different political parties
- Two state legislators of different political parties
- Two chief state school officers
- One superintendent of a local education agency
- One member of a state board of education
- One member of a local board of education
- Three classroom teachers representing the grade levels (4th, 8th, and 12th) at which NAEP is conducted
- One business or industry representative
- Two curriculum specialists
- Three testing and measurement experts
- One nonpublic school administrator or policymaker
- Two school principals, one elementary and one secondary
- Four additional members who are representative of the general public, including parents
- The director of the Institute of Education Sciences (ex officio)
Created in 1969, NAEP is the only ongoing national measure of educational achievement for American students. According to NAGB: “In overseeing The Nation’s Report Card, the Governing Board identifies subjects to be tested, determines the content and achievement levels for each assessment, approves all test questions, and takes steps to improve the reporting of results. The Governing Board is responsible for communicating NAEP results to a wide range of audiences.”
As Vice Chair of the Reporting and Dissemination Committee, Rev. O’Keefe’s role on the board is particularly focused on how best to share NAEP data as broadly as possible. In doing this, he works closely with experts at the National Center for Education Statistics, which administers NAEP. He also serves on the board’s Nominations Committee.
