Grafton Elementary School Principal Michael Sidebotham has been appointed to the National Assessment Governing Board, the body that oversees the Nation’s Report Card, the Stafford County school system announced.
The National Assessment Governing Board plays a critical role in shaping the assessment of student achievement nationwide, including determining which subjects and grades to assess and setting performance standards. Sidebotham’s appointment by U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon recognizes his extensive expertise in educational assessment and his dedication to using data to support student growth, an announcement of the appointment said.
“Michael’s national appointment is a remarkable achievement and a testament to his outstanding leadership here in Stafford County,” Stafford school Superintendent Daniel W. Smith said in the announcement. “From his recognition as a Principal of Distinction by the Virginia Department of Education to his previous honor as Stafford County Principal of the Year, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and student success. We are proud that his experience and insight will now contribute to advancing education at the national level.”
Throughout his career, Sidebotham has focused on leveraging assessment data to guide instruction, improve teaching practices and accelerate student learning, the school system said.
His appointment to the National Assessment Governing Board highlights the impact of strong, informed school leadership and the value of having local educational leaders shape national conversations on student achievement, the announcement said.
“Understanding how to use assessment data to inform instruction and improve teaching and learning has been central to my career as a school leader,” Sidebotham said in the announcement. “I look forward to putting that experience to use on the National Assessment Governing Board and supporting the NAEP program, which provides essential information about how schools are doing to help students live up to their full potential.”
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is the largest continuing and nationally representative assessment of what American students know and can do in subjects such as mathematics, reading, science and writing. The results of the NAEP are released as the Nation’s Report Card.
