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.
