Fourth graders are the sharpest group of students tested for U.S. history knowledge. But only 20 percent of them scored proficient or advanced on a test given by the National Center for Education Statistics.
The group tested fourth, eighth and 12th graders.
Across the nation, 17 percent of eighth graders scored proficient or advanced on the exam and 11 percent of high-school seniors were proficient or advanced this year.
The test has been administered three times before, in 1994, 2001 and in 2006.
Overall, scores since 1994 have only increased slightly.
Broken down by racial and ethnic groups, blacks and Hispanics in the fourth grade made the larger gains, increasing average scores by 22 points and 23 points, respectively, from 1994 to 2010.
But among fourth grade tests, in 2010 only 8 percent of blacks, and 7 percent of Hispanics scored proficient or advanced on the test, compared to four percent in 1994.
“We are encouraged by the progress of our fourth and eighth graders, particularly by the gains being made by students who traditionally have been among the lowest performers,” said David P. Driscoll, chair of the National Assessment Governing Board, in a released statement. “We need to bring even more of these students up to the Proficient level, and we want to see more progress overall by our twelfth graders, who will soon be active citizens.”
Sample question for 4th graders:
What role did many colonial women play during the American Revolution?
A. They served as officers in the army.
B. They gave speeches to rally the people against the British.
C. They kept the farms and shops running during the war.
D. They helped to run the government while the men were away fighting.
43 percent of 4th graders in 2010 chose the correct answer: C.
