2008-09 big year for NAEP
South Dakota pilot for 12th grade results

Next year will be a busy one for National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP, activities. South Dakota students in grades 4 and 8 – about 18,000 students – will take a reading, math or science assessment during the 2008-09 school year. The assessment window is Jan. 26-March 6, 2009.

“All public school districts will be involved in some manner in NAEP next year,” said Jan Martin, the state NAEP director. “Districts can expect to receive notification this May as to which schools will be included in the state sample.”

Also new in ’09 is the addition of a NAEP pilot study in grade 12. South Dakota was one of 11 states chosen to participate. Twelfth-grade students will take a reading or math assessment. This will be the first time that 12th grade results will be available at the state level. Approximately 6,000 South Dakota 12th graders are expected to be part of the state sample.

Commonly referred to as the “Nation’s Report Card,” NAEP assesses what America’s students know and can do in various subject areas.

For more information, contact Jan Martin, Department of Education, at (605) 773-3246. jan.martin@state.sd.us.