The first section of this report contains the "Writing Framework for the 2007 National Assessment of Educational Progress" (NAEP) as adopted by the National Assessment Governing Board. This framework describes the basis for the writing assessment, the types of writing assessed, and the methods for scoring student responses. This second section of this document contains the framework and specifications for the NAEP 2007 writing assessment, which will assess student achievement nationally in grades 8 and 12, continuing the trend begun in 1998. Additionally, data for participating states and select urban districts will be gathered for grade 8. The "Writing Framework" builds on two decades of NAEP experience in large-scale direct writing assessment. In addition, the assessment incorporates important changes that reflect findings and recommendations from recent research on writing instruction and assessment, as well as the experience of many state writing programs. In developing this "Framework," input was received from a wide array of writing educators, policymakers, scholars, and major education organizations. Highlights of the NAEP Writing Assessment include: (1) Assessment of narrative, informative, and persuasive writing; (2) A set of writing topics that incorporate a variety of stimulus materials, audiences, and forms of writing; (3) A special page accompanying each topic for students to plan and organize their writing; and (4) Enhanced 6-point scoring criteria. After an overview and introduction, chapters in the first part of the document are: (1) Developing the Writing Framework; (2) Designing the NAEP Writing Assessment; and (3) Constructing and Scoring the Assessment. An appendix lists members of the Writing Framework panel. After an introduction and overview, the second part of this document presents: (1) Assessment Specifications; and (2) Task Specifications. Appendices provide achievement level descriptions for grades 4, 8, and 12; a suggested process for rubric construction and general characteristics of writing by mode; and lists of committee members and project staff. (Contains 1 figure and 2 tables.).