The report recommends changes in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) at the 12th grade. A commission of distinguished individuals from higher education, K-12 education, the business community, state government and the military prepared the report.

Having trustworthy information about 12th grade student achievement is important. Twelfth grade marks the end of compulsory education and is the gateway to higher education, workforce participation and military service, and, ultimately, the management of our nation's affairs. Since 1990, the congressionally authorized National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) has produced data on student achievement at grades 4 and 8 that permit comparisons across states. The enclosed report recommends that the 12th grade NAEP produce state results and suggests other changes to 12th grade NAEP.

For 35 years, The National Assessment has been the nation's only continuing source of representative data about student achievement in core academic subjects. The National Assessment Governing Board wishes to continue to produce information that is useful to the public, policy makers and educators.

The recommendations would alter NAEP in significant ways. Your views on the recommendations are important and will be considered carefully. You may email comments (Ray.Fields@ed.gov) or mail them to:

Please submit your comments by June 30, 2004.