CERL’s Dr. Diana Owen Appointed to Help Shape National Civics Assessment

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Washington, D.C. – Dr. Diana Owen, director of the Civic Education Research Lab (CERL) at Georgetown University, has been appointed to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) Civics Assessment Framework Development Panel. This 20-member committee will play a crucial role in shaping the civics component of the 2032 NAEP assessment, which aims to provide a comprehensive picture of K-12 civic education across the country.  

The outcome of this assessment, also called The Nation’s Report Card, will influence how policymakers and educators prioritize various aspects of civic education. The findings may also impact state educational standards. 

“Civic education is not only about imparting knowledge to our students,” said Owen. “Quality civic education must also equip students with the skills and dispositions necessary for active participation in civic life. The future of our nation depends on civic engagement.”  

Owen hopes to broaden the assessment of civic knowledge to include scenarios that assess how students would apply their civic knowledge in practice. The NAEP Civics Framework Development Panel will focus on essential civics content knowledge, using primary and authentic sources, and ensuring that the application of civics knowledge is presented in a nonpartisan manner. The panel will work collaboratively to reach a consensus and provide a draft framework for consideration by the NAEP Governing Board.  

Owen founded the CERL at Georgetown University in 2015. CERL investigates the effectiveness of civic education and learning for students at the elementary, secondary, and university levels. The lab collaborates with various partners to research programs and practices and also examines civic engagement and discourse in the digital age.  

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