Questions the findings from the civics portion of the 1998 National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP). Instead of advocating a back-to-basics approach, believes that citizenship should be taught in ways that promote explorations of the social, political, and economic conditions in which the students live. (DAJ)

This digest briefly summarizes the contents of the "Civics Framework for the 1998 National Assessment of Educational Progress" in terms of the Framework's development and components including civic knowledge, civic skills, and civic dispositions. The framework may be used to inform and guide curriculum development projects in civics and…

Between 1976 and 1982, teenagers improved their performance on citizenship/social studies items measuring political knowledge and attitudes--13-year-olds by nearly three percentage points and 17-year-olds by about two percentage points. Results for the various population groups indicated that improvements tended to be greater for lower achieving…

The National Assessment of Educational Progress is an information-gathering project which surveys the educational attainments of 9, 13, and 17-year-olds and adults in ten subject areas, with two areas assessed every year. The results of the 1971-72 assessment of political knowledge and attitudes are summarized in this report. Chapters 1-4 present…

Provides a model National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) essay examination that teachers may use to evaluate higher-order thinking among social studies high school students. Presents a constitutional issue for students to argue positions. Reports examination results from 51 classrooms. Includes essay examples and scoring rationale.…