NAEP Technical DocumentationData Collection Field Staff
The field staff structure encompasses all field staff members as well as the supervisory staff required to successfully manage data collection activities. The staffing plan for each NAEP assessment is determined by the size of the sample and the data collection approach. Years in which both national and state assessments are conducted require more field staff given these assessments' larger school and student sample sizes and the need to conduct a greater number of assessment sessions during the data collection period. Conversely, years in which only a national assessment is conducted typically require fewer field staff since they involve fewer sampled schools and students.
Prior to 2002,
NAEP trained two different field staffs: one to administer national assessments,
pilot and
field tests, and special studies, the other to oversee state and school personnel administration of the state assessments. During this time, the staff structure for each field staff varied based on the personnel administering each type of assessment. Provisions of
Public Law 107-110
mandated NAEP administration of all assessments. While state and school personnel remain involved in coordinating and facilitating assessments, they are no longer responsible for administering state assessments. Since 2002, NAEP has recruited and trained field staff to collect data for all assessments.
The role of field staff has expanded and become more technically complex as NAEP transitioned from paper-based to digitally based assessments. In earlier years, field staff primarily managed paper materials, standardized scripts, and in-person logistics, but the digital era now requires them to support device setup, troubleshoot technology issues, and coordinate with school and district technology personnel. Beginning in 2024, NAEP's use of school internet access and mixed device environments introduced additional responsibilities related to verifying connectivity, ensuring proper assessment app installation, and adapting to varied school technology infrastructures.
NAEP uses distance and in-person training methods to introduce the field staff to the complex set of data collection activities and to maximize learning retention. Field staff trainings are designed to provide staff members with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully interact with state, district, and school personnel and to collect NAEP data in accordance with stringent confidentiality and data quality requirements.
NAEP field staff members have a diverse range of backgrounds, yet often share the common characteristic of having career experience in the fields of elementary and secondary education. Many are retired teachers, principals, and school district administrators.
Last updated 09 February 2026 (JS)