Richard J. Shavelson is the Margaret Jacks Professor of Education and Professor of Psychology Emeritus at Stanford University, a former Dean of the Stanford Graduate School of Education, and a past president of the American Educational Research Association. He is also on the board of directors for the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study. His current work includes the assessment of science achievement, the study of formative assessment in inquiry-based science teaching and its impact on students’ knowledge and performance, and the enhancement of women’s and minorities’ performance in science. He has published over 100 research articles and books in the fields of educational assessment, cognitive psychology, and science education.