NECAP

The New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) is the result of collaboration among the states of New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The three states came together to create common grade level expectations (GLEs) upon which this innovative assessment is based. Maine is the fourth state joining the NECAP and will use the assessments for reading, writing, and mathematics in grades 3 through 8. 

Test Design

NECAP consists of reading and mathematics assessments for grades 3 though 8 and 11, writing assessments for grades 5, 8, and 11, and science assessments for grades 4, 8, and 11. Tests include multiple-choice, short-answer, constructed-response, and extended-response items. The science assessment in grades 4 and 8 also includes inquiry tasks that require students to conduct experiments and/or record observations; some years this work is completed in small groups. Students answer questions based on their data collection and observations. Elements of universal design are incorporated into the NECAP during item development and publishing, and reviewed during bias and sensitivity meetings.  

History of the Tests

The pilot assessment for grades 3 through 8 was administered in the fall/winter of 2004–05. It was fully scored, and results were used to build test forms for the NECAP operational assessment, first administered in October 2005. Results from the operational assessment were released to schools and districts in March 2006. Student, school, and district results were reported in four achievement levels: Proficient with Distinction, Proficient, Partially Proficient, and Substantially Below Proficient. 

The pilot assessment for grade 11 was administered in November 2006. Results from the pilot assessment were used to create the operational assessment, which was first administered in October 2007.  

The results from the May 2007 pilot science assessment in grades 4, 8, and 11 were used to create the first operational assessment, administered in May 2008. Results were released in September 2008. 

Partnership with Maine

In January 2009, Maine joined the NECAP. Teachers and other education professionals from the four states participated in the March 2009 Item Review Committees, and Bias and Sensitivity Review meetings, in order to provide recommendations for field test items. The first operational assessment to include all four states occurred in the fall of 2009. Results were released in January of 2010. 

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