National Academy of Sciences (1863) National Academy of Engineering (1964) Institute of Medicine (1970) National Research Council (1916) The National Academies Advisers to the Nation on Science Engineering, and Medicine

PURPOSES OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES  To advance science and technology  To advise government on applications of science and engineering to policy on policy for science, engineering, and health care

NAS ACT OF INCORPORATION: 1863 Added to the end of the Act, “... shall, whenever called upon by any department of the Government, investigate, examine, experiment, and report upon any subject of science or art...” “... but the Academy shall receive no compensation whatever for any services to the Government of the United States.”

NAS, NAE, and IOM Membership July, 2003 NAS Members (Active) 1,914 Members (Emeritus) 94 Foreign Associates 339 Total 2,347 NAE Members (Active) 1,873 Members (Emeritus) 246 Foreign Associates 162 Total 2,281 IOM Members (Active) 1333 Members (Emeritus) 45 Foreign Associates 66 Total 1,444

MAJOR PROGRAM UNITS OF THE NRC  Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education  Division of Earth and Life Studies  Division of Engineering and Physical Sciences  Institute of Medicine  Policy and Global Affairs Division  Transportation Research Board

UNIQUE STRENGTHS  Stature of academies’ memberships  Ability to get the very best to serve  “Pro Bono” nature of committee service  Special relationship to government  Quality assurance and control procedures  Reputation for independence and objectivity

METHODS OF OPERATION  CONSENSUS STUDIES Balance and Composition of Committees Report Review  CONVENING ACTIVITIES Workshops Roundtables  OPERATIONAL PROGRAMS Fellowships and Associateships Research/Surveys Education and Training Data Banks

Enhancing Undergraduate Learning with Information Technology: A Workshop Summary Helping Children Learn Mathematics Learning and Understanding: Improving Advanced Study of Mathematics and Science in U.S. High Schools Adding It Up: Helping Children Learn Mathematics Eager to Learn: Educating Our Preschoolers Knowing and Learning Mathematics for Teaching: Proceedings of a Workshop Knowing What Students Know: The Science and Design of Educational Assessment How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School: Expanded Edition Inquiry and the National Science Education Standards: A Guide for Teaching and Learning How People Learn: Bridging Research and Practice Starting Out Right: A Guide to Promoting Children’s Reading Success High School Mathematics at Work: Essays and Examples for the Education of All Students National Science Education Standards Compendium CD of NRC Reports on Student Learning

Assessment in Support of Instruction and Learning: Bridging the Gap Between Large-Scale and Classroom Assessment - Workshop Report Evaluating and Improving Undergraduate Teaching in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Learning and Understanding: Improving Advanced Study of Mathematics and Science in U.S. High Schools Classroom Assessment and the National Science Education Standards Knowing What Students Know: The Science and Design of Educational Assessment Understanding Dropouts: Statistics, Strategies, and High- Stakes Testing How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School: Expanded Edition Testing English-Language Learners in U.S. Schools: Report and Workshop Summary High Stakes: Testing for Tracking, Promotion, and Graduation How People Learn: Bridging Research and Practice The Assessment of Science Meets the Science of Assessment: Summary of a Workshop Testing, Teaching, and Learning: A Guide for States and School Districts Myths and Tradeoffs: The Role of Tests in Undergraduate Admissions National Science Education Standards Compendium CD of NRC Reports on Assessment of Student Learning