NASHVILLE, Tenn. – State Rep. Mark White, R-Memphis, has been reappointed by U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon to serve as chairman of the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB), which oversees the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP), also known as the Nation’s Report Card.
White, chairman of the Tennessee House Education Committee, was first appointed to the NAGB in October 2020 and is serving his second four-year term. This will be his second one-year term as board chair.
“I’m honored to continue serving as chair of this vital organization, and I’m grateful to Secretary McMahon for her confidence in me,” said White. “The Nation’s Report Card gives states the reliable data they need to identify learning gaps, measure real progress and ensure every child is on the path to success. It is indispensable in shaping education policy in Tennessee, where we have made historic gains in student achievement and are focused on building on this momentum.”
The NAGB sets policy for NAEP, including assessment content, achievement levels and the grades and subjects to assess.
“As Secretary of Education, my job is to empower state and local leaders who know what is best for students—and to free them from Washington’s heavy hand,” McMahon said. “Future NAEP assessments are essential to help guide critical improvements in K-12 education outcomes and to usher in an education renaissance.”
Tennessee has achieved record-high student achievement levels in recent years amid targeted investments and education reforms. Between 2003 and 2024, Tennessee earned the nation’s largest ranking gain in fourth- and eighth-grade reading and math achievement, rising from 42nd to 16th. Today, the Volunteer State ranks higher than any other Southern state in education.
Tennessee Republicans have made historic investments in public education to support teachers, improve school safety and deliver stronger student outcomes. At the same time, the state has modernized education funding to ensure dollars reach more students where they are needed most.
White is a former teacher and school principal. He has served four terms as chair of the House Education Committee.
State Rep. Mark White lives in Memphis and represents District 83 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes part of Shelby County.