'Report card' finds most students weak in geography

Less than one-third of the nation's students achieved at or above the proficient level in
geography, according to the latest results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the s0-called Nation's Report Card.

Although fourth-graders made gains in achievement since 2001, The Nation's Report Card: Geography 2010
shows that performance by eighth-graders remained flat, and achievement by 12th-graders declined from 1994.

The scores for geography follow similar reports on civics and U.S. history and, according to the NAEP, "adds to a picture of stagnating or declining overall achievement among U.S. students in the social sciences."

"In particular, the pattern of disappointing results for our 12th-graders' performance across all three social science subjects should be of great concern to everyone," says David Driscoll, chairman of the National Assessment Governing Board, which sets policy for NAEP.

Among all eighth-grade students who took the test, only 33% got the correct answer for this question:

Which of the following is an accurate statement about the American Southwest?

a. Alternating areas of dense shrubbery and sand
dunes often make travel difficult.

b. Arid conditions make access to water an
important public issue.

c. Generally fair weather means that most people
rely on solar energy in their homes and
businesses.

d. Easy access to Mexico has led to a strong
manufacturing sector.

(The correct answer is "b.")

Further highlights of the geography report card:

• Male students scored higher than female students at all three grades.
• Fourth-graders' performance continues to improve.
• No significant change in eighth-graders' performance, but gains among lowest performers.
• Black students' scores increased at grades 4 and 8, and achievement gaps narrowed.
• Hispanic students' scores increased at grades 4 and 8, and the grade 4 gap narrowed.