Education Commissioner Appointed to National Assessment Governing Board

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has appointed Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) Commissioner Terry Holliday to the National Assessment Governing Board.“The governing board my make decisions about which types of test NAEP will provide. NAEP tests things like reading and math and science and writing,” said Lisa Gross, Kentucky Department of Education spokeswoman.Holliday will serve in the category of chief state school officer, which “sets policy for the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP), known as the National Report Card.” NAEP is the country’s only nationally representative assessment of student achievement in various subjects. It’s an independent organization in association with the U.S. Department of Education.“I’m excited about serving and representing Kentucky on this very important board. I look forward to influencing the national assessment of our educational programs,” said Holliday.Holliday has been the KDE commissioner since 2009. In his new job, he will help oversee how all states are tested and compared, said Gross. NAEP’s initiatives are in line with what Kentucky has begun to implement with students being prepared for college, she said.“What they’re looking at now, these major developments, are really in line with what Kentucky is doing, particularly when we look at career and college readiness,” said Gross.Holliday will also be responsible for overseeing research on college and job training readiness and oversee a new ad hoc committee on engaging parents with the goal of increasing student performance, said Stephaan Harris, public affairs specialist with the National Assessment Governing Board.The position is unpaid and will bring Holliday to Washington for quarterly meetings. The 26-member board is made up of governors, state legislators, local and state officials, educators and the general public. Six other appointees were announced on Tuesday.The four-year term begins Oct. 1. Holliday can be reappointed and serve up to eight years.