The full-sample or final student weight is the sampling weight used to derive NAEP student estimates of population and subpopulation characteristics for a specified grade (4, 8, or 12), subject (mathematics, reading, or science), and assessment type (operational or bridge). The full-sample student weight reflects the number of students that the sampled student represents in the population for purposes of estimation. The summation of the final student weights over a particular student group provides an estimate of the total number of students in that group in the population.
The full-sample weight, which is used to produce survey estimates, is distinct from a replicate weight that is used to estimate variances of survey estimates. The full-sample weight is assigned to participating students and reflects the student base weight after the application of the various weighting adjustments for school and student nonresponse, and school and student trimming. The full-sample weight for student k from school s in jurisdiction j (FSTUWGTjsk) can be expressed as follows:
The student adjustment factor does not include a subscript s to reflect the fact that not every student in school s falls into the same student nonresponse cell or the same training group.