State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Appoints New Director of
Analysis, Measurement and Accountability Reporting Division

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today announced the appointment of Keric Ashley as the new director of the California Department of Education's (CDE) Analysis, Measurement and Accountability Reporting Division (AMARD).

"Keric brings a wealth of experience to this important leadership position at the Department," said Tom Torlakson. "From working at the local school level to data management at the CDE, he is uniquely qualified to lead the transition of our state accountability system to provide a clearer, more complete picture of school performance to parents and the public."

Ashley will take on the challenges of redesigning California's school accountability system consistent with state law and Torlakson's vision.

Ashley has more than 30 years of experience in education, first as a teacher and school principal, and for more than 20 years, he has been at the CDE. For the last eight years, he has been director of the CDE Educational Data Management Division, which was responsible for oversight of the recently completed California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS).

He replaces Rachel Perry, who recently took a position at the Sacramento County Office of Education as director of the Student Assessment and Program Accountability Department.

For more information on the AMARD Division, please visit the CDE Accountability Web page.

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Tom Torlakson — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5602, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100