The results of the 2010 National Assessment of Educational Progress show that nearly 75% of all high school schools fail to understand how the US government works. Compared to the results of a similar study conducted five years ago, test scores fell by 3%. Students were asked questions related to the three branches of government as well as rights and responsibilities of US citizens. Statistically, Hispanic students showed the most progress. Between 1998 and 2010, Hispanic students increased their basic scores by 12%.
Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor believes that high school and elementary school instructors are failing to teach students the basic principles of government. This trend has been in effect for the past few decades, and it appears that the public school system is completely inept. Students that are able to get private tutoring, or those who excel in other areas of study are more likely to understand how the US government works. Even so, 78% of eight graders do not understand even the most basic fundamentals of civics.
Some lawmakers believe that parents can do a better job of educating their own children, however, most adult US citizens fail to understand how the government works either. Most adults simply listen to the political news stories that reported by the parties that they represent. Factual and statistical errors are relayed on both sides, making it difficult for neutral and biased parties alike to get the background that they need to form educated opinions. Perhaps everyone in the US needs to take a political refresher course.
