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Assessment Process

The way the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) creates, administers, scores, and reports the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) assessments is complex and involves several assessment design phases and stages, many of which overlap one another. This process ensures that The Nation's Report Card meets the highest standards of measurement reliability, validity, and accuracy.

Develop the Assessment Framework

Timeframe (approximately): 2 years

Identify assessment content and objectives for measurement.

Create the Assessment

Tablet and mouse

Timeframe (approximately): 2–5 years

Assemble assessment/digital assessment for delivery.

Select Participants

School building with student figure highlighted under magnifying glass

Timeframe (approximately): 13 months

Select NAEP sample of schools and students that are representative of the United States and, as appropriate, specific states and urban school districts. Notify schools and the parents of students who will participate in the assessment.

Prepare, Package, and Distribute Materials for Assessment Day

Shipping box taped and ready for delivery

Timeframe (approximately): 8 months

Coordinate logistics to ensure the assessment, supporting materials, and equipment are prepared and delivered to assessment administrators.

Administer the Assessment

Hand selecting options on tablet

Timeframe (approximately): 3 months

Administer the assessment and survey questionnaires. Participation takes approximately 90–120 minutes of students' time.

Score the Assessment

Sample assessment with correct results circled

Timeframe (approximately): 4–6 months

Score assessment answers using electronic image-processing scoring systems and trained staff.

Analyze and Release the Results

Report of results featuring charts and graphs of data

Timeframe (approximately): 2–6 months

Analyze data, develop an online report, and release the results to the public.

Last updated 09 February 2022 (AA)