Summative assessments measure students' mastery of grade-level academic standards and skills in specific content areas after learning. State summative assessment systems provide students and families, school and district leaders, and state policymakers with valuable data to help understand student progress and school quality. This Policy Guide…

Guidelines for developing an ideal statewide educational assessment system are presented as one response to the redesign of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Emphasis is on the contribution NAEP can make to meet state needs. Core information which is useful to most states is discussed, assuming it will be directed toward…

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) assessed three grade levels and 21-year-olds in the 1960's, at an annual cost of $6 million. By the early 1980's, adults were no longer tested and funds had decreased to $3.8 million. Other governmental departments, however, have also been funded for testing and a number of state testing…

Extensive public concern about the deficiency in basic skills confirmed by a decline in standardized test scores and widespread implementation of a variety of state and local improvement programs indicates an urgent need for national attention to this timely issue. However, a federal testing program or federally-imposed performance standards are…