Recommendation One

is a Program Director in the Education Program at the National Conference of State Legislatures. She manages policy work in early childhood, special education, education finance and expanded learning opportunities. She has published peer reviewed articles and book chapters on aspects of cognitive development and developmental disabilities, as well as issue briefs and articles on kindergarten assessment, early childhood, after-school and the impact of early adversity on child development. Jennifer received her Master's degree and Ph.D. from the University of Denver in Child Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in developmental cognitive neuroscience. Prior to joining NCSL, Jennifer did postdoctoral work at The Children's Hospital, Denver. She has also worked for the Michigan House of Representatives and for Abt Associates, a public policy research organization.

currently works on the SAT Subject Test team at the College Board. She has been an employee of the College Board for almost six years, previously in the Research & Development department. Prior to joining the College Board, she worked in Yale University’s Child Study Center on an extensive national research study looking at pre-school programs throughout the country. Tejal holds a B.A. in Economics and Psychology from the University of Connecticut, an M.A. in Educational Studies from the University of Michigan and recently completed her M.P.A. in Nonprofit Management at New York University.