​​NAEP Technical DocumentationDistribution of Materials for the 2020 Assessment

The materials, distribution, processing, and scoring (MDPS) staff order, package, and distribute session and bulk materials to the sampling and data collection (SDC) administrators for the paper-based NAEP long term-trend assessment at age 9, 13, and 17. Age 13 was conducted in the Fall of 2019, age 9 in the Winter of 2020, and age 17 in the Spring of 2020. After the session materials for Age 17 were distributed to the SDC administrators, the assessment was cancelled due to the Covid 19 pandemic.  

The student booklets for the paper-based assessment (PBA) are identified with a unique identification number through bar-code technology. Once bar-coded, the booklets are spiraled and bundled for distribution based on the spiraling design provided by the design, analysis, and reporting (DAR) contractor. Each spiral type is based on age, subject, and sample size. The estimated number of sessions provided by the SDC contractor is used to determine the number of bundles needed. A header sheet is used to identify the type of bundle, the student booklet forms assigned to the bundle, and a unique bundle number. The bar code on the header sheet and student booklets in the bundle are scanned. Reports are run to verify the correct booklet forms are in the bundle and in the correct order based on the spiraling design. The bundle(s) are then assigned to each school and session. This information is provided to the SDC contractor. 

The PBA sessions and bulk materials are shipped three weeks before administration to allow for the SDC staff to review the materials and order additional materials if needed.

Additional student booklets, accommodation booklets, and miscellaneous materials such as pencils, Testing in Progress signs, and timers are ordered through the MDPS additional orders online system.  

A shipment tracking system is available to the SDC administrators to track their shipments from MDPS. This system shows

• the date that materials are shipped;
  
• tracking numbers assigned to their shipments;
  
• the date to expect their shipments; and
• a place to record the date the materials arrived.

The online materials tracking system is also used to record when the session materials are shipped back and arrive at the MDPS contractor's processing center.

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