The NRC Study of Undergraduate Physics Education: The role, status and outlook for physics education research

The Board on Physics and Astronomy of the National Academies formed the ``Committee on Undergraduate Physics Education, Research and Implementation'' in 2011 and charged it with producing a report that ``identifies the goals and challenges facing undergraduate physics education and identifies how best practices for undergraduate physics education can be implemented on a widespread and sustained basis.'' (Further information on the committee and its charge can be found at: http://sites.nationalacademies.org/BPA/BPA\textunderscore 059078.) The report is expected to be released in early 2013. This talk will address the committee's process, some of the findings, and their implications for physics education. The role of physics education research in driving innovation will be emphasized.