NAEP Technical DocumentationOptical Mark Reflex (OMR) Scanning

The data values captured from booklets, questionnaires, and administration schedules are coded as numeric data. Unmarked fields are coded as blanks and the editing staff is alerted to missing or uncoded critical data. Fields that have multiple marks are coded as asterisks (*). The data values for the item responses and scores are returned as numeric codes. The multiple-choice single response format items are assigned codes depending on the position of the response alternative; that is, the first choice is assigned the code "1", the second "2", and so forth. The mark-all-that-apply items are given as many data fields as response alternatives; the marked choices are coded as "1" while the unmarked choices are recorded as blanks.

The quality control tolerances needed for optical-mark scanning (OMR) are provided to test booklet layout staff in a template. The template allows Adobe PageMaker software to be used in creating NAEP test booklets, ensuring that the ovals are kept within the tolerances needed by the scanners. After receipt of the electronic booklet files, the plates used in printing are created. During printing, the documents are placed into a special scanner to ensure that they continue to meet the precise tolerances. In addition to these placement specifications, there are specific requirements for paper reflectivity and thickness as well as ink content. Both paper and ink are checked as they enter the plant as well as later in the scanner as the booklets are being printed. Every n^th booklet is tested as well as one of the first and one of the last booklets.

Last updated 08 May 2008 (MH)

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