Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 105 Part 1.djvu/343

 PUBLIC LAW 102-62—JUNE 27, 1991 105 STAT. 315 (A) the knowledge and skills that students should possess .,„ and that schools should impart in order that American students leave grades 4, 8, and 12 demonstrating competency in challenging subject matter including English, mathematics, science, history, and geography; and (B) every school in America to ensure that all students learn to use their minds well so that they will be prepared for responsible citizenship, further learning, and productive employment in our modern economy; and (2) whether, while respecting State and local control of education, an appropriate system of voluntary national tests or examinations should and can be established, such as American achievement tests, that will provide prompt, accurate information to parents, educators, and policymakers on the progress being made toward the specific education standards by individual students, schools, school systems. States, and the Nation as a whole (if such standards can be established). The gOEil of any such system shall be to foster good teaching and learning, as well as to monitor performance. SEC. 405. REPORTS. (a) FINAL REPORT.— The Council shall, as soon as possible, but not later than December 31, 1991, submit a report to the Congress, the Secretary of Education, and the National Education Coals Panel that contains recommendations regarding long-term policies, structures, mechanisms, and other important considerations with respect to the objectives described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 404. A discussion of the validity, reliability, fairness, and costs of implementing a system of voluntary national tests or examinations shall also be included in such report. (b) INTERIM REPORTS.—The Council may submit to the Congress, the Secretary of Education, and the National Education Groals Panel interim reports it considers appropriate. SEC. 406. MEMBERSHIP. (a) IN GENERAL. —The Council shall be composed of 32 members as follows: (1) The Secretary of Education shall appoint 22 members to include at least one representative from each of the following: (A) The Administration. (B) The Commission on Achievement of Necessary Skills. (C) The National Assessment Governing Board. (D) State legislators. (E) Chief State school officers. (F) School administrators. (G) Elementary or secondary school teachers. (H) Institutions of higher education. (I) Individuals with expertise in education standards and testing. (J) National teacher organizations. (2) The Chairperson or a designee of the National Education Groals Panel. (3) The Governor designated to serve as Chairperson of the National Education Goals Panel for the year succeeding the year in which such panel is meeting (or a designee). (4) The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint 1 member (excluding Members of Congress).

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