The need for an appropriate governance structure of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and a governance proposal are discussed. NAEP provides time series data on student achievement within certain academic areas by age and geographic region. Its main purpose is informational, rather than diagnostic. Several objectives are recommended to insulate NAEP's governance from undue federal control. These include freedom from transient political influence, incorporation of provisions to insure continuity and institutional memory, and a reflection of the needs of NAEP's clients. These criteria would permit federal funding, while controlling federal temptation to use NAEP as a tool of federal interests. The structure of a governing board is described which would be composed of local, state, and federal policymakers. NAEP should also establish a standing technical advisory board composed of recognized authorities in the field to assure the highest levels of technical competence. The governance structure as described would provide reasonable assurance of relevance and high quality. (DWH)