[Federal Register: December 31, 1997 (Volume 62, Number 250)] [Notices] [Page 68271-68272] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr31de97-74] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION National Assessment Governing Board Meeting ACTION: Notice of public hearings. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB), US Department of Education, is announcing two public hearings on the Voluntary National Tests (VNT). These hearings are being conducted pursuant to Public Law 105-78, which gives NAGB ``exclusive authority over all policies, direction, and guidelines for developing voluntary national tests.'' Public and private parties and organizations with an interest in the Voluntary National Tests for 4th grade reading and 8th grade mathematics are invited to present written and oral testimony. The purpose of the hearings is to gather recommendations on the test specifications or blueprint for the proposed VNT based on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in 4th grade reading and 8th grade mathematics. The proposed tests will be individualized versions of NAEP, and the Board intends to ensure that they are fully consistent with NAEP's content and performance standards. In carrying out its responsibilities, the Board plans to consult widely and wishes to receive a broad range of input and views. We encourage your participation. Results of the hearings are particularly important as they will provide broad public input to the Governing Board for on specifications for the Voluntary National Tests. DATES: The dates of the public hearings have been set as follows:January 21, 1998 in Washington, DC. January 27, 1998 in Chicago, IL. On each day, the reading hearing will begin at 9:30 a.m. and adjourn at 12:00 noon, and the mathematics hearing will begin at 1:30 p.m. and adjourn at 4:00 p.m. You are invited to present either oral and/or written testimony. Oral presentations should not exceed five minutes. Written testimony should be mailed to the address below no later than January 31, 1998: Aspen Systems Corporation, 2277 Research Boulevard, Mail Stop 4-D, Rockville, Maryland 20850, Attn: Munira Mwalimu. Please include your name, address, and any organization you may represent. All testimony will become part of the public record and will be considered by the Governing Board in deciding on specifications for the proposed national tests, which will be designed to show whether individual students can meet NAEP standards for basic, proficient, or advanced performance. Presenters may also register online at www.nagb.org or by calling (800) 638-2785 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST. Locations: January 21 The Capital Hilton, 16th and K Streets NW, Washington, DC 2036, (202) 393-1000. January 27 Chicago Hilton and Towers, 720 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605, (312) 922-4400. Written Statements Written statements may be submitted for the public record in lieu of oral testimony no later than January 31, 1998. These statements should be sent directly to Aspen Systems (see aforementioned address) in the following format: I. Issues and Questions Addressed: Identify the issue(s) and question(s) to which the testimony is directed. For example, ``Specifications for 4th grade Voluntary National Test in reading.'' II. Summary: Briefly summarize the major points and recommendations presented in the testimony. III. Discussion: The narrative should provide information, points of view and recommendations that will enable the Governing Board to consider all factors relevant to the question(s) the testimony addresses. Respondents are encouraged to limit this section of their written statements to ten (10) pages. The discussions may be appended with documents of any length providing further explanation. [[Page 68272]] Hearings Objectives and Procedures The National Assessment Governing Board seeks participation in the hearings from a wide spectrum of individuals and organizations to receive recommendations regarding the reading and mathematics specifications for the Voluntary National Tests at grade 4 in reading and grade 8 in mathematics. The schedule of speakers shall be such as to provide a broad spectrum of viewpoints and interests, while being contained to a practical amount of time. The goal of the hearings is to provide a medium for maximum input and guidance from the public to include teachers, principals, school board members, curriculum specialists, local school administrators, parents, and concerned citizens. The Governing Board will provide a brief background to the hearings, with the majority of the time being devoted to presentations by scheduled speakers. To assist in appropriately scheduling speakers, testimony should include the following information: (1) Name, address, and telephone number of each person to appear. (2) Affiliation (if any). (3) A brief statement of the issues and/or concerns that will be addressed. (4) Whether a written statement will be submitted for the record. Individuals who do not register in advance will be permitted to register and speak at the meeting in order of registration, if time permits. Speakers should plan to limit their total remarks to no more than five (5) minutes. While it is anticipated that all persons desiring to do so will have an opportunity to speak, time limits may not allow this to occur. The Governing Board will make the final determination on the selection and scheduling of speakers. However, all written statements presented at the hearings will be accepted and incorporated into the public record. Written statements received after January 31, 1998 will be accepted; however, inclusion in the public record cannot be guaranteed. Governing Board members will preside at each of the hearings. The proceedings will be audiotaped. On request, the hearings will be signed for the hearing-impaired, and a bilingual speaker (Spanish-English) can be made available on site. Additional Information Additional information on the Voluntary National Tests can be obtained at by contacting Mary Crovo, National Assessment Governing Board, 800 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 825, Washington, DC 20002- 4233, Telephone: 202-357-6938 or NAGB's web site at www.nagb.org. Steps After Hearing The Governing Board will review and analyze all comments and opinions received in response to this announcement. Results of the testimony will be used by the National Assessment Governing Board to determine the specifications for the Voluntary National Tests in reading and mathematics. The Board plans to take action on the specifications in March 1998. A record of all the proceedings will be kept at the National Assessment Governing Board offices, 800 North Capitol Street NW, Suite 825, Washington, DC 20002, and will be available for public inspection. Roy Truby, Executive Director, National Assessment Governing Board. [FR Doc. 97-34005 Filed 12-30-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4000-01-M