Dr. Gary Biester
AP Mathematics & Technology
NAEP Coordinator
February 2006
Dear Parent or Guardian:
I am pleased to announce that our school has been selected to participate in the 2006 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), often referred to as the Nation's Report Card. NAEP, a program of the US Department of Education, is an ongoing assessment of what our elementary, middle, and high school students know and can do in various academic subjects. From NAEP we will be able to see how students in our state perform as compared to students in other states and across the country.
The NAEP assessment will take place on Wednesday, March 1, 2006. All twelfth-grade students have been selected to take one of the assessments among the subject areas of US History, Civics, Reading, and Writing. In addition to subject area questions, students will also be asked some background questions such as how often you use a computer and what types of classes you take. The assessments will take approximately 90 minutes. Students do not need to study in preparation for NAEP; however, we do ask parents to encourage their children to do their best on this important assessment.
Participation in NAEP is voluntary and confidential. This means that the names of students who take part in the assessment are not recorded on any of the materials that leave the school, and your child's grades or progress in school will not be affected in any way by participating. No results will be reported to or about individual students or schools. Students may omit any question or part of the assessment that they do not wish to answer.
In addition to subject-area questions, background information is collected to enrich the reporting of NAEP results by examining factors related to academic achievement. Background questions do not address personal feelings or attitudes.
NAEP appreciates the participation of each child who is selected; each child plays an important part in providing an accurate picture of what children in our state and across the country are learning in school. However, if you do not want your child to participate in the assessment, please notify me in writing by February 27, 2006. You must send a hard copy of the letter, with your signature, and it must be received by the aforementioned date. If we do not receive a letter from you, we will assume that you don't mind having your child participate in the assessment.
For more information about NAEP, please visit http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard.
A Demonstration Booklet that contains student background questions and examples of test questions similar to those asked in this year's assessment is available both at the website. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 212-650-5244 or gbiester@hsmse.org
Sincerely,
Gary P. Biester
HSMSE @ CCNY NAEP Coordinator