#United States #Durham #MetaMetrics #Fred McDaniel #Melody Schopp

MetaMetrics Strengthens Leadership Team

MetaMetrics®, a renowned leader in literacy and numeracy measurement, has recently expanded its executive leadership team with notable appointments aimed at enhancing its influence in education. Dr. Fred McDaniel II joins as the first Chief Academic Officer, while Dr. Melody Schopp takes on the role of Vice President for Government Relations. These strategic additions symbolize MetaMetrics’ commitment to developing a robust academic foundation and proactive policy engagement in the field of education.

New Appointments

Effective January 26, Dr. McDaniel will spearhead MetaMetrics’ academic and research initiatives, leading a team that includes psychometricians and researchers. He brings two decades of experience in educational research, working his way up from direct involvement with students to influential roles in educational measurement and assessment. Prior to joining MetaMetrics, Dr. McDaniel held numerous roles at NWEA, contributing significantly to educational innovations such as the MAP Growth assessment. His extensive background uniquely positions him to govern the organization's research agenda effectively, ensuring it aligns with real-world educational applications and remains transparent and sound.

In conjunction, Dr. Schopp, effective February 2, will enhance the company’s government relations and policy impact. With a background that spans classroom education and significant leadership roles, including her tenure as the Secretary of Education for South Dakota, she possesses the nuanced understanding needed to navigate the educational landscape. Her prior experience at SAS Institute further enriches her capability to drive MetaMetrics’ efforts in policy alignment and stakeholder engagement. She will serve as a strategic bridge between MetaMetrics and various educational bodies and policymakers, ensuring that educators and stakeholders have access to accurate and reliable measures of academic achievement.

Enhancing Academic Leadership

Upon joining MetaMetrics, Dr. McDaniel expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to influence educational practices significantly. He will focus on enhancing the collaboration between research and product development, aiming to strengthen the academic credibility of the company's frameworks. This effort includes emphasizing the importance of psychometric expertise in educational assessments, bolstering MetaMetrics' status as a thought leader in literacy and mathematics measurement. His role will also involve amplifying the scholarly voice of MetaMetrics at both national and international platforms, thereby expanding its reach globally.

Policy Engagement and Collaboration

Describing the significance of her new role, Dr. Schopp acknowledged the need for robust relationships with state and local educational agencies. In her efforts, she will extend thought leadership within the education sector while actively engaging with state legislatures. Her experience as a classroom teacher grants her unique insights into the challenges faced in education, enabling her to advocate effectively for sound educational practices and policies. Under her leadership, MetaMetrics will increase its partnerships with national organizations, hence deepening its impact in the evolving educational environment.

Looking Ahead

With the addition of Dr. McDaniel and Dr. Schopp, along with CEO Chris Minnich and Chief Brand Officer Nadja Young, MetaMetrics is poised to redefine its direction and influence in education. Their collective expertise in educational research, psychometrics, and policy engagement will guide MetaMetrics as it continues to grow and incorporate more evidence-based practices into education systems worldwide. Their vision focuses on expanding global outreach, fostering scientific rigor, and supporting comprehensive measures that enhance every learner's educational experience.

As MetaMetrics continues to innovate and leverage advanced learning models, the goal remains clear: to empower educators, enhance student learning, and ultimately contribute to a more equitable education system worldwide. This leadership expansion is a testament to MetaMetrics’ dedication to advancing literacy and numeracy through consistent and actionable measures that serve diverse educational landscapes.

In conclusion, the additions of Dr. Fred McDaniel and Dr. Melody Schopp to the MetaMetrics executive team reflect a growing recognition of the importance of academic rigor and informed policy in the education sector, setting the stage for meaningful advancements in literacy and numeracy measurement on a global scale.