Since 1969 when it was mandated by Congress, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) has gathered information about the performance of 9-, 13-, and 17-year-old students in many subject areas, but most frequently in reading. Designed to reflect current developments in reading theory and research, this booklet describes the objectives used to guide the construction of the 1990 NAEP's measurement of reading proficiency. Chapter titles include: "Design of the 1990 Reading Assessment"; (2) "Modes of Reading Comprehension"; (3) "Text Categories"; (4) "Development of Cognitive Items"; (5) "Factors Influencing Comprehension"; and (6) "Development of Background Items." (A list of participants in the development process and sample items are attached.) (RS)