Results of the National Assessment of Educational Progress showed that few students were proficient in American history: 20% of 4th graders, 17% of 8th graders and 12% of high school seniors demonstrated proficiency on the exam in 2010.  Test results are from nationally representative samples of more than 7,000 4th graders, 11,000 8th graders and 12,000 12th graders.  Other highlights:

• Average 4th grade test scores increased from 1994 to 2010, especially among the lowest-performing students.  There were no significant increases in scores between 2006 and 2010.
• Average 12th grade test scores also increased from 1994 to 2010.  There were no significant increases between 2006 and 2010.
• Among 8th graders, scores for black and Hispanic students increased between 2006 and 2010.

Read the U.S. Department of Education report or a New York Times article on the subject.

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