The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports results at the state level, most often in grades 4 and 8, in four subjects—mathematics, reading, science, and writing. However, three of these subjects—mathematics, reading, and science—are assessed most frequently. Because NCES administers the same assessment in every state, NAEP provides a common measure for student achievement in public schools across the country.
NAEP is different from state assessments that are administered to measure student performance based on state academic content standards at varying grade levels. Understanding the similarities and differences between NAEP and these assessments is critical for policymakers, researchers, and educators as they work to improve education in the United States.
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