This study examines the impact of early Algebra I coursework on advanced Carnegie credits among 12th graders from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds, using data from the NCES HSTS (1990-2019). Findings indicate that early Algebra students, particularly Black and Latinx, earn more advanced credits, revealing a widening gap in advanced course…

Spurred by the "No Child Left Behind Act" of 2001, virtually every educational reform program now includes an accountability component that requires sound data collection and reporting (NCLB, 2002, section 101). Drawing from empirically based and theoretical literature in the field, this dissertation examines Adequate Yearly Progress…

A new approach to the quantification and interpretation of change when only repeated cross-sectional data are available--the Trajectory Analysis of Matched Percentiles--is presented. A recent attempt to interpret the findings on reading achievement of the National Assessment of Educational Progress is critically analyzed. (SLD)

Three questions are discussed: (1) what approach will be taken to gain and maintain access to school districts and schools to administer assessment instruments? (2) what procedures should be employed in the difficult and complex task of gaining access to nonstudents (age 17)? and (3) what problems are likely to be encountered in doing this? Access…

Chapters in this report outline the potential plans for the redesign of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). It is argued that any successful redesign must consider the NAEP as a whole. This report reviews overall NAEP designs and discusses the implications that each of the designs has for various functional areas. The following…

Approaches to data analysis used by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and possible alternative methodologies are reviewed. Since various components of the NAEP model affect analysis, key elements of that model, including procedures for developing objectives and exercises, drawing the sample, collecting data and reporting…

The articles in this report were prepared to help the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB) examine and clarify its public policy positions and its operational procedures in the area of standard setting for the future of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). They examine evaluations of the NAGB achievement levels setting…

This study introduced a probabilistic model utilizing item response theory (IRT) for dealing with a variety of misconceptions. The model can be used for evaluating the transition behavior of error types, advancement of learning stages, or the stability and persistence of particular misconceptions. Moreover, it apparently can be used for relating…

In recent assessments, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has permitted schools to exclude some students with disabilities or limited English proficiency because it believed that its assessments would not accurately measure the ability and achievement levels of these students. The exclusion of a portion of students from…

The conference theme was "The Promise and Perils of Educational Information Systems," defined as collections of test data on knowledges, skills, interests, and attitudes maintained for the purpose of educational decision making. Topics covered were: "Longer Education: Thinner, Broader, or Higher" (Fritz Machlup); "Testing:…

This document provides the final report of a survey conducted by the 1985 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) to assess the literary skills of America's young adults. Chapter I provides the rationale for conducting a study of literacy proficiencies of young adults aged 21 to 25. The purpose and conceptual framework of the research…

Measuring students' progress toward higher achievement has been the purpose of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) since its inception in 1969. Students in public and nonpublic schools have been assessed in various subject areas on a regular basis, and the NAEP has also collected information about background variables that…

National Assessment is a data gathering project designed to provide information, in ten subject areas, about knowledge, skills, understandings and attitudes of young people in this country, and to assess changes in these variables over time. The data is collected and reported at the item level. Each exercise was developed with emphasis on content…

The quality of mathematics and science education in the United States and the goal of becoming first in the world in those two disciplines are topics of concern. This study attempts to describe the current condition of mathematics and science education and to evaluate the adequacy of existing national data to provide such a description. The report…