NAEP Technology and Engineering Literacy

This post was contributed by Dale McDonald, PBVM, PhD, NCEA Director of Public Policy.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) released the results of the first-ever nationally representative assessment of technology and engineering literacy.  The Technology and Engineering Literacy (TEL) assessment measured whether students are able to apply technology and engineering skills to real-life situations.

Eighth-grade students were presented real-world scenarios involving technology and engineering challenges.  Students were asked to respond to questions aimed at assessing their knowledge and skill in understanding technological principles, solving technology and engineering-related problems, and using technology to communicate and collaborate.

Scales range from 0–300 with a mean set at 150.

Technology and Engineering Literacy – Grade 8

Scale Scores and Achievement Levels of Students in Public and Catholic Schools*

Public Catholic
Scale Scores 149 163
Below Basic 17 6
Basic 41 34
Proficient 39 54
Advanced 3 5

 

The report may be accessed here.