Data Informs Policy and Practice
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) provides a common measure of student achievement across the country. Policymakers, educators, the assessment community, and the media use NAEP data to improve education for our nation's students.
NAEP data informs education policy and practice by
- reporting the achievement of various student groups;
- analyzing NAEP results in the context of educational experiences; and
- providing tools and resources for the classroom and data analysis.
NAEP in the News
NAEP Sparks Change Across the Country
Iowa
NAEP survey questionnaire data showed that eighth- and twelfth- grade students in Iowa were less likely than their peers across the country to take advanced mathematics courses. This information led the Statewide Mathematics Leadership Team-a team of district and regional educators focused on supporting mathematics instruction, assessment, and professional development-to take action to encourage higher levels of mathematics enrollment across Iowa.
Mississippi
Prior to 2013, Mississippi NAEP scores were far below the national average. To address this concern, Mississippi leaders revamped state standards and overhauled literacy instruction to meet the rigor of NAEP. These initiatives led to large improvements in Mississippi performance on NAEP: by 2019, Mississippi was at the national average for fourth-grade math and reading and the gap between eighth-grade performance and the national average decreased significantly.
North Carolina
In 2005, results from the NAEP reading assessments revealed that eighth grade students in North Carolina scored below the national average. In response, the state deployed more than 200 literacy coaches to middle schools around the state to help teachers reach students with reading difficulties before they made the transition to high school.
Oregon
To address the states growing economy and workforce needs, Oregon referenced grade 4 NAEP mathematics data to shape a STEM Education Plan in 2016. This plan was established to develop important science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills for students of all races, economic status, and regions.
NAEP Offers Insight into Achievement for Various Student Groups
NAEP results reflect the overall performance of different student groups. Results are released for student groups based on the following:
- race or ethnicity,
- eligibility for free or reduced-price school lunch,
- identification as students with disabilities,
- identification as English learners,
- type of school, and
- highest level of parental education.
NAEP Reports Results in the Context of Educational Experiences
Participating students, teachers, and school administrators complete questionnaires about educational experiences and related factors that could affect students’ learning. Questionnaire responses help give the assessment results context. Explore the latest findings about students' educational experiences and opportunities for learning.
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NAEP Provides Tools and Resources for Educators
NAEP provides educators with tools and resources to
- explore education data and statistics
- create tests using NAEP sample questions,
- access data about educational experiences and NAEP performance across regions, states, districts, and
- understand what skills and abilities students demonstrate at the NAEP Basic, NAEP Proficient, and NAEP Advanced achievement levels.
Last updated 05 March 2025 (DS)