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The strength
of America's constitutional democracy comes largely from the informed,
active participation of its citizens, whether voting
in an election, spending time on jury duty, volunteering for community service, or
simply keeping aware of current affairs. Will the
next generation of citizens -- today's students -- have
the knowledge, skills, and interest to fulfill their
civic responsibilities? The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), the nation's
only ongoing survey of what American students know and can do in various academic subjects, is
one resource that can help answer this question.
The NAEP is administered by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) with oversight by the National Assessment Governing Board (NAGB). In 1998, NAEP administered a civics assessment to a national sample representative of all students at grades 4, 8, and 12. The results of the assessment provide information about students' civic knowledge, skills, and interests.
This publication presents highlights from the 1998 NAEP civics assessment, describing its content and major findings, as well as students' experiences at home and school that are associated with achievement in the study of civics.
NCES 2000-460 Ordering information
Suggested Citation
U.S. Department of Education. Office of Educational Research and Improvement. National
Center for Education Statistics. The NAEP 1998 Civics Report Card Highlights,
NCES 2000-460. Washington, DC: 1999.
Last updated 21 March 2001 (RH)