NAEP (The Nation’s Report Card): Structure, Timing and Dates

Facts teachers need about NAEP (The Nation’s Report Card): how it is built, how long it takes, how it is scored and when it happens.

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Sample-based national survey of what US students know. A representative sample of schools takes part; results are reported for the nation, states and some large urban districts, not for individual students.

Scores and results

• Achievement levels: NAEP Basic; NAEP Proficient; NAEP Advanced
• Achievement levels note: NAEP levels are not the same as state definitions of proficiency.
• Individual scores: No
• Requirement note: Reading and mathematics at grades 4 and 8 are required for states receiving Title I funds; other subjects and grade 12 are optional for states.

Assessment schedule

• 2026: reading, mathematics, grades 4, 8 (national, state, TUDA)
• 2026: civics, U.S. history, grade 8 (national)
• 2028: reading, mathematics, grades 4, 8, 12 (national) – State and TUDA at grades 4 and 8
• 2028: science, grade 8 (national, state)
• 2030: reading, mathematics, grades 4, 8 (national, state, TUDA)
• 2030: civics, grades 8, 12 (national)
• 2030: U.S. history, grade 8 (national)
• 2032: reading, mathematics, grades 4, 8, 12 (national)
• 2032: science, grades 4, 8 (national)

Dates for 2026 to 2027

No dates published yet for 2026 to 2027. Check the official page.

Not yet confirmed by us: nagb.gov overview page says civics in 2028 and science in 2029, but the April 2025 schedule table reads science 2028 and civics 2030 – confirm on the current official schedule.; NCES NAEP "about" page could not be read (permission not answered).. Check the official documents.

Official pages

• nagb.gov: the nations report card.html
• nagb.gov: new schedule for future voluntary assessments under naep program.html

Facts checked against: nagb.gov, nagb.gov, tea.texas.gov.

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