Education Minister Anne Tolley has appointed the independent group which will work with her on the implementation of national standards in schools.
"It will provide me with independent, free and frank advice on assessment practices in schools and on any refinements that could enhance the effectiveness of the standards," she said.
She said five respected figures had been chosen - Professor Emeritus Gary Hawke (chair), Professor Tom Nicholson, Professor John Hattie, Dr Tony Trinick and Dr Avis Glaze.
National standards have already been introduced in schools. They are going to be used to assess children against benchmarks in reading, writing and maths with regular reports sent to parents.
