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

2. 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

3. 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.”

4. NAS, NAE, and IOM Membership July, 2003
NAS Members (Active) 1,914
Members (Emeritus)
Foreign Associates
Total ,347
NAE Members (Active) 1,873
Members (Emeritus)
Foreign Associates
Total ,281
IOM Members (Active)  1333 Members (Emeritus) Foreign Associates  Total   ,444

5. 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

6. 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

10. Compendium CD of NRC Reports on Assessment of 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