Reflecting the ideas of many diverse individuals and organizations involved in reading education, this booklet presents Reading Framework for the 2003 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which provides the guidelines and theoretical basis for the 1992-2003 reading assessments. The first chapter, What Is the NAEP Reading Assessment?, discusses goals for reading literacy, definitions of reading literacy, contexts for reading, aspects of reading, and offers a grade 4 sample informational reading passage and questions. The second chapter, How Is the NAEP Reading Assessment Designed?, addresses purpose of the assessment, methodology, format of the assessment, reading passages, item development, the review process, and accommodations. The third chapter of the booklet answers the question: How are the results of the NAEP Reading Assessment Reported? The fourth chapter, What Are the Foundations for the NAEP Reading Assessment?, discusses the reading process, types of assessments, and background surveys. Appendixes contain grade 4, 8, and 12 sample reading passages, items, and scoring rubrics; a brief description of the NAEP 2002 Oral Reading Study; and lists of panel members. (Contains 14 references.) (RS)