The primary sample for Year 11 of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) was selected in March 1979, and was preceded by an 18-month planning effort. During the planning period, research concentrated in five specific areas: sampling frame construction, stratification criteria, efficiency study review, techniques and computer software for highly stratified sample selection, and sampling for Asian and Hispanic populations. Primary samples from the first ten years are reviewed, and the sampling frame construction is discussed. The actual selection of samples, the sample stratification, options for large and small annual samples, selection techniques, and sampling for special populations are discussed. Primary type of information provided by report: Procedures (Sampling). (Author/BW)