This report presents comparisons of student knowledge of civics topics at grades 4, 8, and 12 over the ten-year period between 1988 and 1998. Student performance is described in terms of average percentage correct, and results are reported for subgroups of students defined by various background and contextual characteristics. Trends in performance are illustrated with sample questions and student responses from the assessment. Trends in the kinds of civics topics studied and in the amount of coursework completed are examined. In addition, the report presents trends in classroom instructional practices and in out-of-school contexts, such as amount of homework, discussion of current events, extra reading, and receiving a newspaper at home.
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