Assessing the Nation's Report Card: Challenges and Choices for NAEP

Assessing the Nations Report Card examines the history of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and outlines plans for improving and modernizing the organization. It provides an inside analysis of the evolution of the NAEP program and an examination of its shortcomings, controversies, and current issues. The book explores why NAEP is considered the gold standard of educational assessments and proposes possibilities for the future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 276 pages
Publication date: 10 May 2022
Publisher: Harvard Educational Publishing Group

Assessing the Nations Report Card delves into the rich history of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and presents comprehensive plans for its improvement and modernization. Educational policy analyst Chester E. Finn, Jr., provides a rare insider's perspective on the evolution of the NAEP program at pivotal moments throughout its history, offering a firsthand account of critical decisions and core goals that have shaped its development. The result is a comprehensive survey of the United States' most influential source of data on K–12 achievement.

In Assessing the Nations Report Card, readers gain a deep understanding and appreciation of NAEP, while also exploring its limitations, controversies, and current issues. The book delves into why NAEP is widely regarded as the gold standard of educational assessments but remains relatively less known compared to other standardized testing. Finn emphasizes the potential of utilizing NAEP results to address achievement gaps, enhance federal accountability, and drive education reform and policy. He also sheds light on the data collection process and the limitations of what the results can and cannot reveal.

For over 50 years, NAEP has served as a pivotal federal testing program, informing the decisions of policy makers and educational leaders as they advocate for educational improvements in the United States. Recognizing the evolving need for actionable information about students and schools, Finn provides a confident and rare overview of the existing program, while also proposing possibilities for its future development.

Through his insightful analysis and practical insights, Assessing the Nations Report Card offers valuable perspectives on the role of NAEP in shaping educational policy and practice. It serves as a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the state of education in the United States and exploring opportunities for improvement.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781682537251