I'm a school testing coordinator and we just got selected for NAEP administration. This is our first time and I have no idea what to expect logistics-wise. I've read the NAEP website but it's vague on the day-of experience.
Specifically wondering about student selection, how long the sessions run, and what our staff needs to do versus what NAEP staff handles.
Also, are schools expected to do anything to prepare students academically or is that specifically prohibited?
Academic prep is explicitly not supposed to happen — the whole point of NAEP is to measure what students know without coaching. You'll get guidance from NAEP about what you can and can't communicate to students beforehand. Follow it exactly. The NAEP practice test materials are for student familiarization with the format, not content prep.
Sessions run about 2 hours typically for the main assessment plus questionnaire. Plan for students to be out of their regular class for that window and give teachers advance notice so they can plan around it.
NAEP staff handle almost everything on the day — they bring materials, administer the assessment, and collect everything. Your role is mainly logistics: providing the space, getting the selected students to the right room at the right time, and making sure there's adult supervision available if needed.
Student selection is done by NAEP before the day — it's a statistical sample, not a voluntary group. You'll get a list of specific students and the selection isn't something you influence. Participation is legally required under ESEA for public schools.