House Joint Resolution No. 91 of 2002 established the Joint Subcommittee to Study the Use of Independent Education Performance Assessment Services as a six-member legislative body, consisting of four members of the House of Delegates and two members of the Senate. Members appointed to serve were Delegates were Delegates Kathy J. Byron, Robert H. Brink, M. Kirkland Cox, and James K. O'Brien, Jr., and Senators Harry B. Blevins and R. Creigh Deeds. Delegate Byron and Senator Blevins served as chairman and vice chairman, respectively.

HJR 91 described Virginia's reform efforts as implemented through the Standards of Learning and the Standards of Accreditation, school report cards, and other activities, and noted that Virginia's focus has been on establishing student learning and teaching standards. The enabling resolution acknowledged the power of data analyses provided by independent educational performance assessment services, such as Standard and Poor's School Evaluation Services. Such Services can provide the tools needed for effective decision-making, such as cost-benefit evaluations, comparative analyses, longitudinal results, and identification of best practices.