Creating a Center for Education Statistics: A Time for Action.

At the request of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Educational Research and Improvement, the Panel to Evaluate the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) was established in 1985 by the National Academy of Sciences. This report culminates an extensive two-year study of NCES and reflects the panel's broad view of the center's serious problems. The study had four major aspects: (1) to review, describe, and assess existing data quality and quality assurance processes; (2) to review, describe, and assess program content and services and procedures used for establishing priorities consistent with the Congressional mandate; (3) to review and assess the timeliness of data collected and disseminated; and (4) to identify issues hindering NCES in the successful accomplishment of its mission. The panel recognized that the center will require increased funding, but funding requests should be judged against the progress of the center in meeting standards; and reflect the expected expansion of data collection. The panel's comprehensive recommendations addressed the following areas: (1) mission, role, and responsibilities; (2) content and direction of data collection programs; (3) establishing a frame of reference; (4) the advisory council; (5) improving data quality (redesigning the elementary/secondary data programs, reducing error, and statistical standards); (6) timeliness; (7) staff and budget resources; (8) contracting out; and (9) publications policy. The panel recommended that serious consideration be given to abolishing the center and finding other means to obtain and disseminate education data if wide-ranging actions are not undertaken to change both the image and reality of the center. Appendices include the center's organizational structure and biographical sketches of panel and staff. (LMO)