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Academic Standards and Testing

Academic standards and testing guide student learning and accountability. The National Academies analyze assessments and frameworks that measure achievement fairly and effectively. 

What's happening

A Vision for 21st Century Science Education

Announcement

Our landmark 2012 report A Framework for K-12 Science Education served as the foundation for modern state science education standards, setting a bold new direction for science teaching and learning in the U.S. The National Academies continue to work on improving curriculum, instruction, assessment, and professional development — supporting better outcomes for students and enabling collaboration across districts and state lines.

Sep 1, 2026
Group of young students participating in a hands-on robotics and STEM education activity. Two children are assembling a robot with various components, while others work on coding and programming using laptops. The classroom is vibrant and filled with educational tools and materials, promoting creativity, teamwork, and innovation. Perfect for themes related to technology, education, learning, and future skills development.

Featured Publications

Featured work

Equitable and Effective Teaching in Undergraduate STEM Education: A Framework for Institutions, Educators and Disciplines

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed
Student Looking Down Microscope

Long-Term Health Effects Stemming from COVID-19 and Implications for the Social Security Administration

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Equity in PreK-12 STEM Education

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation: America's Science and Technology Talent at the Crossroads

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Summertime Experiences and Child and Adolescent Education, Health, and Safety

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Science Investigations and Engineering Design for Grades 6-12

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

A Vision for the Future of Center-Based, Multidisciplinary Engineering Research

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

The Supply Chain for Middle-Skill Jobs: Education, Training, and Certification Pathways

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Understanding the Engineering Education--Workforce Continuum

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Trends and Opportunities in Federal Earth Science Education and Workforce Training

Consensus/Advisory Activity

Completed

Units

Roundtable on Public Interfaces of the Life Sciences

Roundtable/Forum

Completed

Mapping Science Committee

Standing Committee

Completed

Roundtable on the Communication and Use of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Roundtable/Forum

Completed

Science and Engineering Education and Workforce Program Area

Oversight Unit

In Progress
Diverse Engineers Discussing New Powerful Microchip to Put it Inside the Modern Drone. Innovative Technologies in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Concept.

Center for Advancing Science and Technology (CAST)

Oversight Unit

In Progress

Mathematical Sciences Education Board

Standing Committee

In Progress

Social and Economic Systems Program Area

Oversight Unit

In Progress
Happy and smiling multiracial family with grandparents by the beach in New England

Global Forum on Innovation in Health Professional Education

Roundtable/Forum

In Progress

Committee on National Statistics

Standing Committee

In Progress

Forum for Children’s Well-Being: Promoting Cognitive, Affective, and Behavioral Health for Children and Youth

Roundtable/Forum

In Progress
Small happy kids having fun while running in nature.
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