Perhaps one of the best methods of tracking your state's education is through the use of the National Assessment of Education Progress. NAEP is the largest national representative and continuing assessment of the American student's knowledge in various subject areas. These areas include mathematics, reading, science, writing, the arts, civics, economics, geography, and U. S. history. As readily seen, these tests capably cover all subject areas of the education system. Tests for this study are conducted every two years beginning in 2003. The tests will be given again beginning in the fall of 2011.

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Tests are uniform with no difference between states. The same set of test booklets is used across the nation. Nor does the testing content or procedure change dramatically from year to year. This process allows NAEP to provide clear results of student academic progress over time.

Although the state and national scores may be readily accessed by computer, individual student scores cannot.  Grades 4, 8, and 12 are the only grades tested since these grades and the ages of the students represent critical junctures in academic achievement. The three age levels are not tested at the same time, but the times are staggered. Therefore, regular school is not affected. On the national level, students in public and private schools are assessed. On the state level only the public schools are assessed.

The NAEP report for 2009 translated the passing score on state exams given during the 2008-2009 school year to a score on the NAEP given in 2009.  Unfortunely, the scores posted by NAEP show that states have consistently set standards that are lower than the national ones.

 

The data compiled by NAEP help explain the inconsistency between the relatively high pass rates on many state tests and the low scores on the national exams, known as the National Assessment of Educational Progress. A total of 35 states set passing bars that are below the "basic" level on the national NAEP exam. Basic defined as "Students have a satisfactory understanding of material." Proficient means that the students have a solid grasp of the material taught.  The report has been an eye-opener for many states. One thing is sure. The report is certain to reinvigorate calls to overhaul the No Child Left Behind.

Both school faculty and parents need to be aware of the NAEP's findings. The findings translate in to what the children are learning in the school system. If the children aren't getting the proper education in the public system, parents must turn to private sources to ensure their children receive the education needed for them.
To find additional information go to: National Center for Education Statistics.