State Education Standards and NAEP

From the New York Times: "A new federal study shows that nearly a third of the states lowered their academic proficiency standards in recent years, a step that helps schools stay ahead of sanctions under the No Child Left Behind law. But lowering standards also confuses parents about how children's achievement compares with those in other states and countries."

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has the new study: "Mapping State Proficiency Standards Onto NAEP Scales: 2005-2007." More information about the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) can be found on the NCES website.

Source: Dillon, S. (29 Oct. 2009). "Federal Researchers Find Lower Standards in Schools." New York Times.