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About NAEP

A Common Measure of Student Achievement

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) provides important information about student academic achievement and learning experiences in various subjects. Also known as The Nation’s Report Card, NAEP has provided meaningful results to improve education policy and practice since 1969. Results are available for the nation, states, and 27 urban districts.

NAEP is a congressionally mandated program that is overseen and administered by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education and the Institute of Education Sciences. The National Assessment Governing Board, an independent body appointed by the Secretary of Education, sets NAEP policy.

Results Available

SUBJECTJURISDICTIONGRADEWHAT IS ASSESSED?
Reading
Reading
Students are asked to read grade-appropriate literary and informational materials and answer questions based on what they have read.
Mathematics
Mathematics
Students answer questions designed to measure one of the five mathematics content areas in number properties and operations, measurement, geometry, data analysis, statistics, and probability, and algebra.
Science
Science *
48
Students demonstrate their knowledge and abilities in the areas of Earth and space science, physical science, and life science.
Writing
Writing *
812
Students demonstrate how well they can write persuasive, explanatory, and narrative essays.
Arts
Arts
8
Students are asked to observe, describe, analyze, evaluate works of music and visual art and to create original works of visual art.
Civics
Civics **
Students are assessed on their knowledge and skills critical to the responsibilities of citizenship in the constitutional democracy of the United States.
Geography
Geography **
Students demonstrate their knowledge of world geography (space and place, environment and society, and spatial dynamics and connections).
Economics
Economics
12
Students are assessed on their understanding of how economies and markets work, the benefits and costs of economics interaction and interdependence, and the choices people make regarding limited resources.
U.S. History
U.S. History **
Students are asked to demonstrate their knowledge of U.S. history in the context of democracy, culture, technological and economic changes.
TEL
Technology and Engineering Literacy
8
Students apply their technology and engineering skills to real-life situations.
* Note: The availability of State assessment results in science and writing varies by year.
** Note: The availability of grade 4 and 12 results in civics, geography, and U.S. history varies by year.

Who We Are

Congressionally Mandated National Assessment ProgramBy law, NCES is responsible for carrying out the operational components of NAEP. The National Assessment Governing Board, an independent body of educators, community leaders, and assessment experts, sets NAEP policy.
NAEP is the gold star standard in measuring student academic achievement in the nation.

Last updated 21 March 2024 (DS)