Here's a link to the Prepublication version of the Science Framework for the 2009 National Assessment of Educational Progress.
Here's an excerpt from the Executive Summary's Introduction:
The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and its reports are a key
measure in informing the nation on how well the goal of scientific literacy for all students
is being met. The Science Framework for the 2009 National Assessment of Educational
Progress (the Framework) sets forth recommendations for the design of a new science
assessment. The assessment resulting from this Framework will start a new NAEP
“science trend” (i.e., measure of student progress in science) beginning in 2009. This
Framework represents a unique opportunity to build upon previous NAEP science work
as well as key developments in science standards, assessments, and research. This
document is intended to inform the general public, educators, policymakers, and others
about what students are expected to know and be able to do in science as part of “The
Nation’s Report Card,” a program of the U.S. Department of Education (ED) that reports
on NAEP findings.