This booklet presents the Reading Framework for the 1992 and 1994 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which contains the rationale for the aspects of reading assessed and the criteria for the development of the assessment. The booklet notes that the new reading assessment examines students' abilities to construct, extend, and examine the meaning of what they read; assesses student performance in different reading situations; and includes special studies to examine other aspects of reading, including the fluency of students and their reading habits and practices. Chapters of the booklet are: (1) Development of the 1992-94 Reading Framework (with sections on steering committee guidelines and on considerations and principles); (2) The Design of the 1992-94 Reading Framework (with sections on a goal for reading literacy education; constructing, extending, and examining meaning; and constructing the assessment); and (3) Special Studies and Background Information (with sections on special studies of oral reading and response; portfolio and metacognition study; and with information for educational policy makers). Appendixes listing steering and planning committee members, and giving sample readings and test items for 4th, 8th, and 12th grades are attached. (RS)