Participants for NAEP assessments are selected through a scientific sampling method (multistage stratified random sampling). First, a representative sample of Indiana public and nonpublic schools are selected to participate in the state and national assessments. Secondly, individual students from these schools are randomly selected to be tested. For the state assessment, NAEP selects about 3,000 students for each grade and subject, or about 100 schools per state and about 30 students per school. Approximately 10% of the nation's fourth- and eighth-graders participate in NAEP assessments biennially. Students with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency are included in NAEP samples. For more detailed information about sampling procedures, go to: http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/about/statewho.asp and http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/about/sampleFAQ.asp
View a chart comparing testing accommodations offered by NAEP with those on ISTEP+.
Participation by individual students in NAEP is voluntary; however, full participation of all sampled schools and students ensures that the most accurate and representative picture of performance is obtained. Participating students are doing their part to help improve education in their country, their state, and their own schools. For more information about participation in NAEP, go to: http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/about/natimportant.asp