The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), which is part of the U.S. Department of Education, needs local students to pre-test the testing platform used to assess their educational progress—before it is rolled out to schools across the country.
We’re looking for students in 4th, 8th, and 12th grades to participate in a voluntary, classroom-style group session that will last no more than 105 minutes. During the session, students will test the platform that delivers the test by answering questions as if it were an actual test and identify issues with the system. Your child’s name will not be linked to their answers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this study about?
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), part of the U.S. Department of Education, is administering a study with students who are in 4th, 8th, and 12th grades to test the system that will be used for the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Students’ participation will help NCES find and fix issues before other students take the tests nationwide.
Where will the study sessions take place?
The study sessions will take place near the Silver Spring Metro and in Downtown DC near the Metro Center Metro Stations. There will be more than one adult present in the room.
What are you doing in terms of COVID-19 safety?
Our staff is following current CDC guidelines for COVID-19 by social distancing as much as possible. Although face masks are no longer required, please feel free to have your child wear one.
EurekaFacts staff will also have hand sanitizer available and disinfect materials between uses.
What will happen during the research session?
Students are tested in a group setting. At the start of a session, the students are given a brief introduction to the NAEP assessment and what they will be asked to do.
How long will the research session last?
The group sessions will last no more than 105 minutes. Participation requires only one visit to the site.
Will you keep information private?
All participants will be assigned a unique student identifier and their names will not be linked to any of their answers.[1] All personally identifiable information will be destroyed after the final report is complete.
[1] National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) conducts the National Assessment of Educational Progress to evaluate federally supported education programs. All of the information you provide may be used only for statistical purposes and may not be disclosed, or used, in identifiable form for any other purpose except as required by law (20 U.S.C. §9573 and 6 U.S.C. §151). By law, every NCES employee as well as every NCES agent, such as contractors and NAEP coordinators, has taken an oath and is subject to a jail term of up to 5 years, a fine of $250,000, or both if he or she willfully discloses ANY identifiable information about you. Electronic submission of your information will be monitored for viruses, malware, and other threats by Federal employees and contractors in accordance with the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015.
Will the results go to the participant’s school?
No, responses will not be disclosed to any schools and will not be linked to any other personally identifiable information.
What are the possible risks of being in the study?
There are no known risks to participating in this study. This project has been reviewed and approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB# 1850-0803, exp. 6/30/2025).
Who can I contact with questions or for further information?
Sarah Shapiro is from EurekaFacts and is coordinating this session on behalf of NCES. If you have any questions, please call 240-403-1650 or email outreach@eurekafacts.com
Is participation required?
Participation in this study is voluntary. Each participant has the right to refuse to answer particular questions and may elect to withdraw from this study at any time and can leave early if they wish. However, if the participant leaves early, or arrives 15 minutes after session starts, they may forfeit their incentive.