SACRAMENTO — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell announced today the appointment of John "J.T." Lawrence as Director of the California Department of Education’s (CDE) Standards and Assessment Division, effective July 15.

"I am pleased that J.T. Lawrence is joining our team and bringing with him experience, expertise, and energy to oversee our statewide testing system," O’Connell said. "Assessments are an important measure of academic progress and a critical part of our concerted effort to set high standards for California’s students and help them attain academic excellence."

Lawrence replaces Deborah "Deb" Sigman, who in May was named Deputy Superintendent of the CDE's Assessment and Accountability Branch.

As director of Standards and Assessment, Lawrence will oversee the development, coordination, and implementation of California's statewide testing programs, such as the Standardized Testing and Reporting program, the California High School Exit Exam, and the California English Language Development Test. He also will direct the collection, reporting, and use of student achievement information to improve California's schools.

Lawrence previously served as a lead consultant with the Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL). He also served as the Director of Assessment and Accountability at the San Diego County Office of Education. Lawrence is a visiting educator from that office.

Lawrence spent four years training instructional leaders on data-driven decision making, including the development of tools to facilitate the use of data.He was involved in several projects regarding the state testing and accountability programs with the California Department of Education.

He also worked with district and school improvement initiatives as a member of School Assistance and Intervention Teams and District Assistance and Intervention Teams.

Lawrence earned a bachelor of art’s degree from the University of California, San Diego and a master of art’s degree from Idaho State University.