Assessment Frameworks

Each National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) assessment is based on an organizing framework. The framework is the blueprint that guides the development of the assessment and the content to be assessed. The National Assessment Governing Board develops the NAEP frameworks for each subject.

Frameworks define the subject-specific content and thinking skills needed by students to deal with the complex issues they encounter in and out of the classroom. The NAEP frameworks are devised through a development process that ensures they meet current educational requirements. Assessments must be flexible and mirror changes in educational objectives and curricula. Therefore, the frameworks must be both forward-looking and responsive, balancing current teaching practices with research findings.