WestEd developed the Framework and Assessment and Item Specifications for the 2014 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) in Technology and Engineering Literacy.
As the first assessment of its kind under the NAEP program, WestEd followed existing NAEP protocols in the development process, but needed to incorporate existing resources, develop new resources, and coordinate the integration of multiple perspectives into this completely new type of framework.
The process for developing the framework and specifications has been comprehensive, inclusive, and iterative, drawing on broad perspectives and expertise. A steering committee and a planning committee, led by WestEd, together developed the framework and specifications for final approval by the National Assessment Governing Board.
In addition, WestEd coordinated the most comprehensive outreach effort to date for the development of a NAEP framework, with over 1,500 people — technological literacy educators, scientists, engineers, school administrators, representatives of professional associations, business and industry representatives, and the general public — participating in hearings and providing critical feedback and reviews of the framework and specifications documents.