Dr. Stephen Provasnik is an independent writer and researcher. Before retiring from the U.S. Department of Education in 2025, he oversaw the management of the statistical work of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) as the Deputy Commissioner. Previously, as Branch Chief of the U.S. International Activities Program, he was responsible for U.S. participation in international large-scale assessments, including the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC), the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), and Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS).

Dr. Provasnik also served as the U.S. representative to the governing boards of PIAAC and the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA), a National Program Manager for PIAAC, and National Research Coordinator for TIMSS and the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS). While at NCES, he also served as the Acting Director of the Annual Reports Programs and Deputy Editor of the Congressionally mandated annual report The Condition of Education. In his career, he has worked variously as a public high school teacher in Japan, reporter for Gannett and the Yomiuri Shimbun, writing instructor at DePaul University, historian of education, assessment developer, statistician, and playwright. His publications span education policy, statistical methodology, and the legal and historical origins of U.S. public education. A graduate of Bates College, Provasnik holds a master’s and doctorate degree from the University of Chicago.

Provasnik briefed journalists in June 2025: How to Cover Education Department Cuts in Local School Districts.