In the United States, nearly 50 million students, about 90 percent of total K-12 student enrollment, annually attend public schools. The National Assessment of Educational Progress, commonly called the Nation’s Report Card, reported that, “In 2022, the average civics score at eighth grade decreased by 2 points compared to 2018.” This was a significant development because it marked the first-ever decline in the average score since the test was launched in 1998.
Student test scores in the U.S. history assessment have also dropped in recent years. “In 2022, the average U.S. history score at eighth grade decreased by 5 points compared to 2018 and by 9 points compared to 2014.” In 2022, the average score on the U.S. history assessment dropped to 258, the lowest score ever recorded in the 28-year period of the test
As student test scores in civics and U.S. history have declined, young Americans’ support for socialism has increased substantially.
Chris Talgo is the Editorial Director for the Heartland Institute and a fellow for Heartland’s Glenn C. Haskins Emerging Issues Center.
