The American Institutes for Research (AIR) is one of the leading behavioral and social science research organizations in the world. Our overriding goal is to use the best science available to bring the most effective ideas and approaches to enhancing everyday life. For us, making the world a better place is not wishful thinking. It is the goal that drives us. Founded in 1946 as a not-for-profit organization, AIR is a carefully designed institution motivated by the desire to enhance the human experience. We are committed to contributing to the science of human behavior and the development of manÍs capacities and potential. Our work spans a wide range of substantive areas: education, student assessment, international education, individual and organizational performance, health research and communication, human development, usability design and testing, talent management, employment equity, and statistical and research methods. The intellectual diversity of our more than 1,800 employees, more than 50 percent of whom hold advanced degrees, enables us to bring together experts in many fields, including education, psychology, sociology, economics, psychometrics, statistics, public health, usability engineering, software design, graphics and video communications„all in the search for innovative answers to any challenge. We conduct our work within a culture and philosophy of strict independence, objectivity, and non-partisanship, as we tackle societyÍs most important issues.