A recent Nation’s Report Card shows that only one in five 8th graders demonstrated essential knowledge in civics, and just 13 percent did so in U.S. history. Achievement in both subjects has continued to fall from prior years.
According to the report, America’s youth must understand shared history, government functions, rights, and responsibilities to participate in the constitutional republic and engage in civil discourse.
The Nation’s Report Card provides a vital national measure of student achievement, but it lacks precision in U.S. history and civics, as it only offers data for the nation as a whole.
However, states can now opt in to receive state-level results on the next civics assessment at no cost, allowing for a deeper understanding of the challenge and enabling states to compare their performance.
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The National Assessment Governing Board recently announced this option, which will provide a comparison across the country.
States like Iowa and Rhode Island are already taking steps to improve student learning in U.S. history and civics, with Iowa focusing on rigorous, content-rich standards and prioritizing constitutional principles.
Iowa has introduced a new social studies state assessment in grades 8 and 11, and students in the class of 2027 will have the opportunity to earn a Seal of Civics Excellence on their diplomas, recognizing their knowledge and participation in civic activities.
By using state-level results, states can identify areas for improvement and work with families and teachers to advance student learning, ultimately strengthening American institutions and sustaining the Great American Experiment.
