NAEP Technical DocumentationField Staff Training

The field staff training program is designed to provide the staff with a complete understanding of NAEP and their responsibilities. The training program is comprised of multiple components, including:

home study and quizzes,
in-person training,
review of comprehensive field manuals, and
in-field observation and retraining as necessary.

The general topics covered in most training programs include the following:

overview of NAEP;
field staff's role in NAEP and the NAEP Code of Ethics;
attitude and personal conduct in the school setting;
security of assessment materials and confidentiality issues;
preparation for the assessment, including procedures for conducting preassessment contacts;
forms and materials used in the various assessments;
procedures for conducting sessions using standardized scripts;
classroom management techniques and rules for supervising sessions; and
post-assessment activities such as coding session booklets and completing administrative tasks.

Specific training for field managers includes:

coordinating all NAEP activities with NAEP State Coordinators;
participating in recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising field staff; and
managing all field activities.

Specific training for supervisors includes:

securing participation of nonpublic (private) schools;
working with NAEP State Coordinators in their efforts to recruit public schools;
selecting student samples, unless this is done by NAEP centrally;
preparing assessment information packets for participating public and nonpublic schools;
supervising assessment teams; and
conducting quality control field visits.

Specific training for assessment coordinators includes:

assisting supervisors with sampling activities;
assisting supervisors with assembling assessment information packets;
conducting preassessment visits to the schools;
coordinating the work of a team of assessment administrators;
monitoring the sessions and evaluating the work of their assessment team;
scheduling makeup sessions, if necessary;
debriefing the school coordinator;
collecting questionnaires and forms;
shipping assessment materials;
reporting assessment results to their supervisor; and
entering assessment results and shipment information in a field reporting system.

Specific training for assessment administrators includes:

preparing materials for assessments;
conducting the sessions;
accounting for all materials used;
record-keeping and completing forms;
preparing materials for shipping;
conducting makeup sessions, if necessary; and
assisting the assessment coordinator with other assessment related tasks.

Last updated 02 October 2008 (KL)

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