The National Council on Education Standards and Testing was established by Congress in 1991 (
P.L. 102-62; 102 Stat. 305). It may have had the worst acronym for any governmental entity ever—NCEST.
The council was created for the purpose of providing “advice on the desirability and feasibility of national standards and testing in education.”
NCEST had 32 members, most of whom were appointed by the Secretary of Education. NCEST was tasked with issuing its report by December 31, 1991.
The National Council On Education Standards and Testing (NCEST) met its deadline, publishing
Raising Standards for American Education, which advocated national standards and assessments. RAND took issue with the findings, offering
critical testimony before Congress. NCEST’s statute authorized $1 million in appropriations to do its work, and required it to disband 90 days after submission of its report.
