Governing Board to Hold January 28 Public Hearing on Technological Literacy Framework for NAEP

WASHINGTON (January 13, 2010) - The National Assessment Governing Board will hold a public hearing Thursday, January 28, to obtain feedback on a framework for technological literacy, an area scheduled to be tested in 2012 under the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).

The hearing will be held at the Washington Court Hotel, 525 New Jersey Avenue NW, in the Montpelier Room, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Board is welcoming oral and written testimony on a draft framework that will guide the development of a new NAEP Technological Literacy assessment, and is available online: www.naeptech2012.org.

The framework covers a broad range of content and practices related to technology and society; design and systems; and information and communication technology. The draft document was developed by a wide panel of experts in fields such as education, engineering, policy, business and communication, with their recommendations of what knowledge and skills students at the 4th, 8th, and 12th grades should have in technology. The Governing Board is responsible for developing the content and design of all assessments in NAEP, for which the Board sets policy.

Those wanting to present oral testimony must register with the Governing Board by January 26, while written comments must be received by January 28. Download a letter (PDF) from Governing Board Executive Director Cornelia Orr that provides details on the hearing, framework development, and how to submit oral and written comments.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress is the only nationally representative, continuing evaluation of the condition of education in the United States. It has served as a national yardstick of student achievement since 1969. Through the Nation's Report Card, NAEP informs the public about what American students know and can do in various subject areas and compares achievement between states, large urban districts, and various student demographic groups.
The National Assessment Governing Board is an independent, bipartisan board whose members include governors, state legislators, local and state school officials, educators, business representatives and members of the general public. Congress created the 26-member Governing Board in 1988 to oversee and set policy for NAEP.
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is a congressionally authorized project sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. The National Center for Education Statistics, within the Institute of Education Sciences, administers NAEP. The Commissioner of Education Statistics is responsible by law for carrying out the NAEP project.