NCES and Westat Continue Their Partnership to Strengthen National Assessment of Educational Progress

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has officially extended its collaboration with Westat, a prominent research and consulting firm. This partnership aims to enhance the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), often referred to as the nation's report card, which is a critical tool for gauging student achievement across the United States.

This renewed agreement places Westat in a pivotal role, managing key operational aspects of the NAEP. This includes comprehensive data collection, overseeing the NAEP Support and Service Center (NSSC), and conducting essential sampling and weighting procedures to ensure accurate representation of various student demographics.

Jacqueline Hogan, Vice President and Practice Director of Westat's Large Surveys Practice, expressed elation over the continued partnership, highlighting that their shared mission is vital in advancing educational progress nationwide. "We are committed to measuring educational outcomes and enhancing operational effectiveness while lessening the burdens on states and local districts," she stated.

Furthermore, NAEP, recognized for being the largest and most enduring nationally representative assessment in the country, plays an instrumental role in informing educational policy and practice. The dataset generated through NAEP gives educators and policymakers crucial insights into student performance trends over time. By maintaining these assessment benchmarks, Westat strives to preserve NAEP's legacy of providing reliable and actionable data to stakeholders in education.

Scott Royal, President and CEO of Westat, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, which aims to fortify NAEP's standing as an invaluable resource for both the education sector and the public. Together with NCES, the Westat team is resolute in their aspiration for NAEP to continue serving as a trusted source of information.

In practical terms, Westat's focus will be on achieving high standards in data collection, tailored support for NAEP Coordinators, and ensuring that the assessment accurately reflects the achievements of diverse student populations. This goal underscores the importance of equitable representation in the data collection process, a critical factor in understanding achievement gaps among different demographic groups.

Westat's commitment to delivering a high-quality assessment aligns with its long-standing mission of using data-driven insights to inform public policy and education. Since its establishment in 1963, Westat has garnered a reputation for its rigorous approach to research, statistical integrity, and innovative methods.

The collaboration between NCES and Westat symbolizes a significant stride toward refining how student achievements are measured and understood, with both parties oriented toward a future where informed decisions are made based on solid evidence. As they navigate this evolving educational landscape, the partnership is determined to rise to the challenges of contemporary education, ensuring aligned resources are utilized effectively across the board to support student success.

This exciting chapter in NAEP's history promises a continuation of excellence in the educational assessment arena, further enhancing the work of educators and policymakers alike.

In conclusion, the enduring partnership between NCES and Westat signifies an ongoing commitment to elevating educational quality in the United States through accurate assessment and data collection that adapts to the needs of an ever-evolving learning environment.