The Nation's Report Card Shows How Students Apply Science in Real-Life Situations

WASHINGTON, June 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, June 19, the National Assessment Governing Board will host an event at which results from a new kind of assessment targeting computer and hands-on science skills will be released. The Nation's Report Card's Science in Action: Hands-On and Interactive Computer Tasks from the 2009 Science Assessment presents fourth, eighth, and twelfth graders with scenarios that require planning, analysis, and synthesis—and the national results help us understand how well U.S. students are able to reason through complex problems and apply science to real-life situations.

During the release event, attendees will see video of students conducting experiments from the assessment and view simulations of interactive computer-based science skills. Expert panelists will provide insight into how well our nation's students are demonstrating what they know and can do in this core component of their education. Panelists include:

• Jack Buckley, Commissioner, National Center for Education Statistics
• Chris Dede, Wirth Professor in Learning Technologies, Harvard Graduate School of Education
• Alan Friedman, Consultant, Museum Development and Science Communication; Member, National Assessment Governing Board
• Eileen Weiser, Member, Michigan State Board of Education; Member, National Assessment Governing Board (Moderator)

Event details:

What: Live event with webcast on The Nation's Report Card's Science in Action: Hands-On and Interactive Computer Tasks from the 2009 Science Assessment

When: Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at 10 a.m. EDT

Where: Foundry Lofts, Science + You Exhibit Space, 301 Tingey St. SE, Washington, DC 20003

Metro accessible: Navy Yard (Green Line). On-street, paid parking is also available. Access Google map at: http://goo.gl/maps/4V6o

How to register: Registration is required for in-person attendance. Visit www.nagb.org/science/hots-icts/. To view the webcast on June 19, visit http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/scienceinaction.asp.

Gain early access to results: The media can gain embargoed access to materials on Friday, June 15, 2012, at 10 a.m. EDT. Access must be requested. Please contact Erika Boyce at 202.559.5246 or [email protected]

Participate in an embargoed pre-call: Monday, June 18, 2012. The time has yet to be confirmed. Media representatives are encouraged to discuss the embargoed data and information with experts ahead of the release. Access must be requested. Please contact Erika Boyce at 202.559.5246 or [email protected]

For media requests and interviews: Contact Stephaan Harris, 202.357.7504 or [email protected]

For more information: www.nagb.org/science/hots-icts/

The Nation's Report Card is the largest nationally representative, continuing evaluation of the condition of education in the United States and has served as a national yardstick of student achievement since 1969. Through the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), The Nation's Report Card informs the public about what America's students know and can do in various subject areas, and compares achievement data among states and various student demographic groups.

The National Assessment Governing Board is an independent, bipartisan board whose members include governors, state legislators, local and state school officials, educators, business representatives, and members of the general public. Congress created the 26-member Governing Board in 1988 to set policy for NAEP.

SOURCE National Assessment Governing Board