Average Scores

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Overall Score Results

Lower average civics score for eighth-graders than in 2018 

The average civics score for eighth-grade students in 2022 was 2 points lower compared to 2018, the previous civics assessment year. The 2022 average score was not significantly different compared to the first civics assessment in 1998. Average scores are reported on the NAEP civics scale, which ranges from 0 to 300. 

The chart below shows the trend in average civics scores beginning in 1998 and the cut score indicating the lower end of the score range for each NAEP achievement level: NAEP Basic , NAEP Proficient , and NAEP Advanced . Read a description of each NAEP achievement level by clicking the question mark icons. Read more about how NAEP achievement levels are set. Please note, NAEP achievement levels are to be used on a trial basis and should be interpreted and used with caution. 

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Scalescore08090100110120130140150160170180190200210220300Assessment Year'98'06'10'14'18'22NAEPAdvancedNAEPProficientNAEPBasic'22<  Drag to change focal years  >
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Scores By Percentile

Lower scores compared to 2018 for lower- and middle- performing students

NAEP reports scores at five selected percentiles to show changes over time in the scores for lower- (10th and 25th percentiles), middle- (50th percentile), and higher- (75th and 90th percentiles) performing students. In comparison to 2018, the 2022 civics scores were lower for eighth-grade students at the 10th, 25th, and 50th percentiles; scores for higher-performing students at the 75th and 90th percentiles did not differ significantly from 2018. 

In comparison to 1998, the first year the civics assessment was administered, the 2022 civics scores did not differ significantly at any of the selected percentiles.  

Figure Trend in eighth-grade NAEP civics scores at five selected percentiles
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Scalescore08090100110120130140150160170180190200210220300Assessment Year'98'06'10'14'18'22NAEPAdvancedNAEPProficientNAEPBasic'22<  Drag to change focal years  >
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Student Group Scores and Score Gaps