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From time to time, the Department of Education receives inquiries about the role and membership of its federal advisory committees. Below is a brief summary of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) of 1972 as amended and other basic information, including contacts for further information about the advisory committees operating in the U.S. Department of Education.
Federal Advisory Committee Act
Through the enactment of FACA, the U. S. Congress formally recognized the merits of seeking the advice and assistance of our nation's citizens. Advisory committees are to:
- Provide advice that is relevant, objective, and open to the public;
- Act promptly to complete their work; and
- Comply with reasonable cost controls and recordkeeping requirements.
Advisory committees may be established in one of three ways:
- By lawstatutory;
- By executive order of the President; and
- By agency authority.
There are approximately 1,000 advisory committees with more than 40,000 members government-wide. The General Services Administration/Committee Management Secretariat (GSA/CMS) is responsible for monitoring advisory committee activities government-wide and maintains a FACA database on the Worldwide Web from which advisory committee information may be obtained via the Internet.
Federal advisory committee members are drawn from various occupational and industry groups and geographical regions of the United States and its territories. FACA requires that committee memberships be fairly balanced in terms of the points of view represented and the functions to be performed. Members of specific committees often have both the expertise and professional skills that parallel the program responsibilities of their sponsoring agencies. In some instances, membership requirements are mandated in the legislation.
Nominations and Appointment of Committee Members
Federal agency officials, members of Congress, the general public, professional societies, or current and former committee members may nominate potential candidates for membership. Selection of committee members is made based on the FACA's requirements and the potential member's background and qualifications, and the specific requirements of the individual committees as directed in their method of establishment. Appointment authority is also mandated in the establishment format. For example, the President normally appoints members when a committee is established by executive order. Agency heads generally appoint committees mandated by statute or by agency authority.
Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance
Contact: Karen Akins, Committee Management Officer
202) 401-3677
Commission on Presidential Scholars
The Commission chooses annually, in accordance with such standards and procedures as it may prescribe and on the basis of its independent judgement, up to 141 Presidential Scholars who are awarded the Presidential Scholar Medallion. Included are one boy and one girl from each State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and from families of U.S. citizens in U.S. territories or living abroad; 15 at large from the jurisdictions named above; and 20 from the jurisdictions named above in the fields of visual and performing arts or creative writing. The President appoints members from time to time from among appropriately qualified citizens of the United States. The President selects a Chair.
Contact: Simone Miranda OlsonExecutive Director (202) 205-8719
Federal Interagency Committee on Education
The function of this committee is to study and make recommendations for assuring effective coordination of Federal programs, policies, and administrative practices affecting education. The membership includes the Secretary of Education, or his designee, who chairs the Committee, and senior policy making officials from those Federal agencies, commissions, and boards that the President may find appropriate. OMB, the Council of Economic Advisors, the Office of Science and Technology policy and the Domestic Policy Staff designate a staff member to attend the Committee's meetings. The Secretary recommends member agencies to the President.
Contact: Anthony Fowler, Acting Executive Director (202) 401-3673
Historically Black College and University Capital Financing Advisory Board
The Board provides advice and counsel to the Secretary and the designated bonding authority as to the most effective and efficient means of implementing construction financing on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The Board advises Congress regarding progress made in implementing programs. The Board includes 9 members appointed by the Secretary including: 3 president representatives of private and 2 president representatives of public Historically Black Colleges and Universities, president of United Negro College Fund, president of NAFEO, executive director of The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Secretary's designee.
Contact: Don E. WatsonExecutive Director (202) 219-7037
National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity
The Committee advises the Secretary of Education on matters related to accreditation and to the eligibility and certification process for institutions of higher education. The committee includes 18 members appointed by the Secretary, the Senate, and the House of Representatives who are knowledgeable concerning postsecondary education and training.
Contact: Jennifer Hong, Executive Director, (202) 502-7696
National Advisory Council on Indian Education
The Council advises the Secretary and Congress on the funding and administration of any program, with respect to which the Secretary has jurisdiction and that includes Indian children or adults or that may benefit Indian children or adults. The council makes recommendations to the Secretary for the position of Director of Indian Education. The council includes 15 members appointed by the President and composed of Indians and Alaska Natives selected from lists furnished by Indian tribes and organizations.
Contact: Tina HunterDesignated Federal Official (202) 205-8527
National Assessment Governing Board
The National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) is an independent, bipartisan group whose members include governors, state legislators, local and state school officials, educators, business representatives, and members of the general public. Congress created the 26-member Governing Board in 1988 to set policy for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)-commonly known as the "The Nation's Report Card."
The "Nation's Report Card" as NAEP is often called, is the only nationally representative and continuing assessment of what American students know and can do in various academic subjects. Since 1969, NAEP surveys have been conducted periodically on a national sample basis in reading, mathematics, science, writing, and other subjects. State-by-state assessments-also on a representative sample basis-began in 1990. By making available objective information on academic performance, NAEP is an important part of our nation's evaluation of the condition and progress of education. NAEP is administered by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) of the U.S. Department of Education. The Secretary appoints the Chairman. Members serve staggered 4-year terms with a 2-year limitation.
Contact: William BushawExecutive Director- (202) 357-6941
National Board for Education Sciences
The Board is established as a part of the Institute of Education Sciences, (IES). The Board shall function as a "board of directors" for the Institute by approving or disapproving the Institute's priorities as proposed by the Director of the Institute, and ensuring that the priorities of the Institute and the National Education Centers are consistent with the mission of the Institute. Members are appointed by the President and with the consent of the Senate.
Contact: Kennan McKenzieThompson, Executive Director (202) 245-6648
National Board of the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education
The Board advises the Secretary, the Director of the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), and the Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education on priorities for the improvement of postsecondary education and for the evaluation, dissemination, and adaptation of demonstrated improvements in postsecondary educational practice. The Board includes 15 members appointed by the Secretary including: at least 8 public-interest representatives, including a student, and not more than 7 educational representatives.
Contact: Ralph Hines, FIPSE Director, (202) 502-7618
National Committee on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation
The function of this committee is to evaluate the standards of accreditation applied to applicant foreign medical schools and determine the comparability of those standards to standards for accreditation applied to U.S. medical schools. Membership consists of experts in medical education and accreditation, appointed by the Secretary, but the number is not established by statute. Currently the committee has 10 members. One member must be an enrolled student at an institution of higher education at the time of appointment. Members serve for 3-year terms with a 9-year limitation.
Contact: Jennifer HongExecutive Director, (202) 502-7696
President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans
Contact: David Johns-Executive Director (202) 205-9853
President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Contact: Doua Thor-Executive Director (202) 245-6329
President's Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for Hispanics
Contact: Alejandra Ceja-Executive Director (202) 205-5233
President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities
The Board issues an Annual Federal Plan for Assistance to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to the President on participation by HBCUs in federally-sponsored programs; provides advice to the Secretary of Education and makes recommendations in reports to the President on how to increase the private sector role in strengthening HBCUs, with particular emphasis on enhancing institutional infrastructure and facilitating planning, development, and the use of new technologies to ensure the goal of long-term viability and enhancement of these institutions. Members are appointed by the President and include representatives of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, other institutions of higher education, business and financial institutions, private foundations, and secondary education.
Contact: Ivory ToldsonExecutive Director (202) 453-5645
Submission of Nominations
Nominations should be submitted to the appointing official (Presidential, Secretarial or Congressional), the Committee Management Officer, or the contact person for the committee six months in advance of a scheduled vacancy.
U.S. Department of Education White House Liaison/Committee Management Office Contact Information
White House Liaison/Committee Management Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202
Phone: (202) 401-3677
Further Information
For additional information on advisory committees, including budget, charter, members, accomplishments, meetings, vacancies, and reports, click on to the GSA FACA Database at http://fido.gov/facadatabase/default.asp. Click to the "Public" icon. Click the icon for the appropriate year, and then scroll down to the "Department of Education" and select the appropriate committee.


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People who have access to God should have a definite advantage in this thing called life.
Many people today fail to see the practicality of Christianity. The basis of Christianity is faith in the person of Jesus Christ. Faith in Jesus is what puts us in touch with God.
Jesus said in Saint John�s gospel, �I am the way the truth and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me.� When we put faith in Jesus, it gives us access to God.
People who have access to God should have a definite advantage in this thing called life. After all, God is all-knowing. If the Christian could tap into the wisdom of God concerning everyday real-life situations, the end result should be a certain level of success and life fulfillment.
The gospels show us a Jesus who made the everyday lives of people he encountered markedly and discernibly better. The Christian life is not a life without challenges or difficulties. However, the Christian life should have as its key signature victory over hardships.
The Bible says that God always causes us to triumph. The Christian life is a life that even overcomes the enemy of death itself.
So what is the missing link? Could it possibly be that the Christian fails to seek Godly guidance and wisdom in everyday life? Could it be that the vehicle of prayer is under-utilized for practical real life situations?
God has given us a remedy for everyday life maladies. He has given us a recipe for victory. The answers to our problems are given in His word. No matter how complex the problem, God�s word gives us simple solutions.
A panacea for life situations is recorded in the Bible in Proverbs 3:5-6: �Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.�
Next time you encounter difficulties and problems in this thing called life, follow the above instructions. Trust God. Stop depending on your own intellect. Seek his will through the written word and prayer, and let God through his Holy Spirit show you which path to take.
This little formula makes Christianity practical and makes victory over life�s problems attainable. Try it.
The Rev. Anthony Lawson is pastor of Jumping Run Church in La Grange. Reach him at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Because Halo is the best-selling Xbox franchise of all-time, the developers at Bungie had their work cut out for them when they were deciding what to do next with the series that has set the gaming standard for the last 10 years. Fortunately for us, they decided that the next step should be a prequel, and you'll experience the beginning of the Halo legend, when the heroic Spartan soldiers make their final stand on the planet Reach, humanity's last line of defense between the Covenant and Earth. We've all seen the carnage that one Spartan can produce. Imagine what a whole squadron of them can do. We all know how this one ends up, too. So the story has a fittingly darker, grittier edge to it as the brave Spartans go to meet their destiny. But you can make sure they go out in a blaze of glory in epic battles against the Covenant on a backdrop of jaw-dropping environments, powered by an all-new engine. And of course, the battles will continue long after the campaign is over on Xbox Live with a satisfying multiplayer experience. We'd expect nothing less from this one.
Welcome to Noble Team. "Halo: Reach" immerses you in the ominous and heroic story of "Halo: Reach" as you play as a member of Noble Team, a squad of iconic Spartan soldiers, each with deadly talents as unique as their individual personalities and customized gear.
An Intense and Epic Campaign. L ive the events that set the stage for the "Halo" trilogy as the UNUNSC and Covenant clash at the height of their military power. New weapons, vehicles, and abilities complement the familiar "Halo" arsenal for the largest-scale battles ever witnessed in the "Halo" universe. Fiercely cunning artificial intelligence (AI) adds depth and complexity to each encounter, helping make every play-through a unique and challenging experience whether players go it alone or connect with up to three friends to launch a cooperative assault.
The Definitive Multiplayer Experience. To match the ambition of the most epic campaign in Halo's history, the battle continues online where Halo: Reach's dramatically expanded suite of multiplayer offerings will once again redefine the landscape of online gaming and deliver an unequaled experience to millions of Halo fans. "Halo: Reach" sets a new standard for competitive gameplay, customization, matchmaking and community integration. With the addition of the new social settings, you can play with the people you want to by finding like-minded teammates, voting on preferred maps and gametypes and keeping an active roster. In addition, all new multiplayer experiences offer more variety for all types of players. "Invasion" lets players battle as Spartans vs Elites through intense, objective-based battles. And the highly competitive "Arena" lets players hone their skills in an all-out competition for ranking and bragging rights.
Stunning Technical Advancements. "Halo: Reach" takes a significant leap forward with all-new engine technology representing the next generation of art, audio, AI, animation, and Hollywood-style special effects. Power through massive scale combat across sweeping open environments and fight up close and personal alongside new characters and creatures as you unravel mysteries buried deep in the "Halo" universe.
Player Customization & Reward. "Halo: Reach" gives you the ability to customize and personalize your Spartan with a staggering array of armor accessories that will appear in both multiplayer and campaign play. Across every game mode, you're rewarded for everything you do, for every style of play, earning valuable credits that can be used to unlock additional cosmetic upgrades via the Armory.
An Xbox 360 Hard Drive is required for these Halo Reach game features: Networked Co-op Campaign Play, Networked Firefight, Saved Films, File Storage. (The Xbox 360 4 GB and Xbox 360 Arcade console have internal flash memory- not hard drives.)
If you are a fan of the Halo franchise, check out all the latest Halo: The Master Chief Collection games and accessories available for the Xbox One and Xbox 360.
If you are a fan of the Halo franchise, check out all the latest Halo 5: Guardians games and accessories available for the Xbox One.
If you are a fan of the Halo universe, then check out Destiny, the latest game from Bungie Studios, the creators of Halo.
Rated 9.5 out of 10 by Game Informer.
Pro Price


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Three baby cardinals in the nest with mouths wide open
Three six day old cardinals in their nest with their mouths wide open waiting for mom or dad to come and feed them
Seagull with a brown fish in its mouth
A seagull standing on a road with a brown fish in its mouth
Swan carrying babby - cropped again
Male cardinal feeding baby in the nest
A male cardinal feeds his two day old babies a green worm while standing on the birds nest
Swan carrying babby
Whale Tail_4228
Baby Robin standing on cement Belgian Block bricks with beak open
A close-Up view of a baby Robin that is singing while standing on Belgian block bricks with green grass in the backgound
Two swans running on water
Two swans run on water to get up to speed in order to fly away
Baby gosling sticking its head out from under mom
Gosling looks out from under his mom with a pond in the background
Deer in woods
Baby cardinals first moment out of the nest
A baby cardinal bird, ten days old, stands on a branch of a green bush after it has left the nest for the very first time.
Snow storm at the lake
Snow blowing sideways at Southards Pond, NY with two benches in the picture
Gazebo after snow shower in black and white
The Babylon Village Gazebo blanketed after a snow shower in black and white
Happy Mallard in the water
A mallard floating in the water with his beak open
Moose 1_6000
Eight day old cardinals last day in the nest
Two eight day old baby cardinal chicks looking directly at the camera as if they are saying goodbye, because it is their last day in the nest.
Gosling up close
Gosling walks up from the water to the grass, up close
Seagull standing on a pier
Seagull standing on a pier with water and houses blurred in the background
Colorfull fall leaves reflecting in Southards Pond
Southards Pond trees at the peak of their fall colors on November 1, 2016
Swan swimming in a pond up close and personal
A swan swims very close and looks at you
Wooden bridge over a stream
A wooden bridge at a local park in Babylon, NY
Beautiful swan in perfect light
A swan relaxing in the sun on a beautiful day at a local pone. Belmont Lake State Park, Long Island New York.