NAEP is conducted under congressional mandate and is directed by NCES of the U.S. Department of Education. NCES currently contracts with the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to design instruments and conduct data analysis and reporting; Westat, Inc., to conduct sampling and data collection activities; and National Computer Systems to manage materials distribution, scoring, and data processing.

Who is sampled? Every 2 years, NAEP assesses nationally representative samples of more than 120,000 students in public and private schools in grades 4, 8, and 12. The NAEP state assessment samples also include students from both public and private schools to be representative of schools in the participating state. Scientific sampling procedures are used to ensure reliable national, regional, and state samples.

Schools. Schools are randomly selected for NAEP based on demographic variables representative of the nation's schools. Trained NAEP staff members administer the National Assessment. In NAEP state assessments, the participating schools work with a coordinator designated by the respective state department of education to collect information on a statewide level.

Students. Students are selected randomly; their names are not collected. Confidentiality of all participants is ensured; names do not leave the school.

What subjects are assessed? The academic subject areas assessed vary from year to year. According to the NAEP Law, all subjects listed under National Educational goal number 3 are to be tested periodically in the National Assessment. Reading, writing, mathematics, and science are the most frequently assessed subjects. To minimize the burden on students and schools, no student takes the entire assessment. Instead, assessment sessions are limited to 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Questionnaires are also given to students, teachers, and principals in order to obtain current information about school and instructional practices that may influence learning and student performance.

When do assessments take place? Assessments occur throughout the school year; however, most are conducted January-March. State assessments occur in February.

For further information on NAEP, contact:

National Center for Education Statistics
1990 K Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
202-502-7420
www.nces.ed.gov/naep