Data source

NAEP proficiencies

Bellwork keeps NAEP separate from state assessment proficiency. NAEP is the cleaner layer for national cross-state context because it uses one assessment framework and one achievement-level definition.

i. source record
Source family
NAEP achievement levels
Source system
National Assessment of Educational Progress
Primary grain
Jurisdiction, year, subject, grade, student group
Default map view
State, latest available year, all students, grade 8 math
Headline metric
Percent at or above NAEP proficient
Best use
Cross-state context and national benchmarking
ii. methodology

A national benchmark layer, not a replacement for local state data.

01 / Ingest

Bellwork stores NAEP assessment rows separately from state assessment data so national benchmark measures do not get mixed with state-defined proficiency.

02 / Normalize

Rows are normalized by jurisdiction, school year, subject, grade, student group, achievement level percentages, average scale score, and sampling metadata when present.

03 / Project

The dashboard map reads a compact state-level projection from the API. The UI colors states from the selected subject and grade without asking the client to understand the source table.

04 / Separate

NAEP remains a distinct product source. It is useful for cross-state comparison; state assessment proficiency is better for local operating detail inside a state.

iii. product schema

What the product reads.

The map layer is intentionally small: it asks for one subject and grade, then receives state-level values ready for coloring and tooltip display.

Table
naep_assessments
Jurisdiction
State or national reporting unit.
Subject and grade
NAEP subject code and assessed grade.
Achievement levels
Percent at basic, proficient, advanced, and at or above proficient when available.
Map API
/api/map/naep-areas
iv. interpretation

Use NAEP for cross-state signal. Use state assessments for local operating detail.

A NAEP proficiency percentage is not the same as a state-defined proficiency percentage. The dashboard keeps those layers separate so national benchmarking does not blur into state accountability systems, local test design, or state-specific cut scores.