David Chard, dean of SMU's Simmons School of Education and Human Development, has been nominated by President Barack Obama to the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences. The board, which is composed of 15-members, is in charge of the Institute of Education Services.

The Institute of Education Services is the research arm of the U.S. Department of Education and conducts studies and analyzes education research data. It also funds researchers across the nation who are working to improve education outcomes for students. Finally, the Institute also produces the Nation's Report Card.

"Dr. Chard is a dedicated innovator in pursuing education reforms to address the needs, challenges and opportunities of our nation's schools," said SMU President R. Gerald Turner in a statement. "Through his research, teaching and leadership, he is in the forefront of providing new insights into the way students learn and how teachers can be more effectively trained in reaching young learners."