Less Than 25% of Students Proficient in US History

12% of seniors scored at a level showing solid academic performance
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Jun 14, 2011 11:20 AM CDT
Less Than 25% of Students Proficient in US History
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A new national assessment finds that less than a quarter of students are proficient in US history. The 2010 National Assessment of Educational Progress tested students on topics such as the American Revolution, Civil War, and the contemporary US. Just 20% of fourth-grade students, 17% of eighth-graders, and an especially depressing 12% of high school seniors scored at a level showing solid academic performance. Much larger percentages of students had a basic knowledge of US history or below.

Education leaders say they're worried the scores are indicative of a narrowing of the curriculum. (More American history stories.)

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