The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) randomly selected 50 seniors from Riverbank High School to take an assessment test at the end of February. The NAEP is the largest nationally representative continuing assessment of the knowledge of the students in this country and their abilities in core subjects.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics website, nces.ed.gov, assessments are conducted periodically in mathematics, reading, science, writing, the arts, civics, economics, geography, U.S. history, and in Technology and Engineering Literacy (TEL). In 2017, NAEP began administering digitally based assessments (DBA) for mathematics, reading, and writing, with additional subjects to be added in 2018 and 2019. Since NAEP assessments are administered uniformly using the same sets of test booklets across the nation, NAEP results serve as a common metric for all states and selected urban districts. The assessment stays essentially the same from year to year, with only carefully documented changes. This permits NAEP to provide a clear picture of student academic progress over time.

“The first test was administered in 1969 to measure student achievement nationally,” added Adelante High School Principal Rebecca Evans. “The test is used to assess progress and develop ways to improve education in the United States. Out of the 50 students selected, 45 were present to take the test. The test does not impact student’s grades, nor their acceptance into college. It does, however, give an overall picture of how our students are doing.”

There were four NAEP administrators that administered the test in three core subjects: Math, English, and Science. This was held at Riverbank High School on Feb. 21. Each student is assigned one assessment to take and they had two hours to take their assigned test.

“These assessment administrators made extremely positive comments about our students and our school environment,” stated Evans. “They said the students came in with positive attitudes, strong work ethic and determination. They said that they were polite, asked appropriate questions and were very focused.”

Results have not been given and may be received at the end of the school year.

Evans said the assessment was able to highlight the students in terms of behavior and attitude, even before any official results are available.

“RHS – the hidden gem in the valley,” expressed Evans.