Experts Urge Caution in Expanding State-Level NAEP

By Robert Rothman

WASHINGTON--A group of leading scholars convened to evaluate the first state-level assessment of student achievement last week urged caution in continuing the program.

In a report issued here, the panel of the National Academy of Education said the assessment of 8th graders in mathematics conducted in 1990 by the National Assessment of Educational Progress demonstrated that such a test is "technically feasible'' and generated useful information.

But the panel urged the Congress to continue the state-level assessment in 1994 on a trial basis only, and recommended against lifting the prohibition barring school districts and schools...