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Pearson's New Civics Assessment Helps Students Read, Reason, and Engage

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What does it mean to be ready for civic life in America today? For generations, civics education has helped students understand how our government works, why our rights matter, and how each of us can make a difference. But in classrooms across the country, the experience of learning civics can vary; often shaped by local resources and priorities. 

Recent national data shows that many students aren’t reaching desired levels of civic knowledge and skills. According to NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) in 2022, just 22% of eighth graders scored proficient in civics, and nearly half fell below basic levels. These numbers have prompted renewed focus and conversations among educators, families, and policymakers about how best to support civic learning for every student.

Introducing Pearson's new US Civics Interim Assessment

To help address these needs, Pearson is launching a new US Civics Interim Assessment as part of the Pearson Assessment for Learning Suite (PALS). This new assessment is designed to give educators and families a clearer picture of how students are building civic knowledge and readiness, empowering them to make informed decisions about academic instruction and learning support. 

PALS is Pearson's signature K-12 school assessment solution; a comprehensive set of assessment tools that support student learning, development, and instructional decision-making. Beginning in winter 2025, PALS will expand to include civics for grades 3-12, joining a suite that already covers reading, math, science, writing, and social studies. 

A Real-World Application Approach to Civic Readiness

Pearson’s new civics assessment asks students to work with real documents and apply what they've learned.  A third grader might read a simple excerpt about a community effort and connect it to who makes local decisions. A high schooler might analyze a Supreme Court case and identify the constitutional principle involved. 

This document-based approach serves multiple purposes. Beyond recalling facts, it builds reading comprehension while testing civic knowledge, addressing literacy, and civics development simultaneously. The method aligns with Science of Reading principles, using authentic texts to develop analytical thinking.

“Civic readiness isn’t just about knowing how our government works, it’s about helping students see themselves as part of our American  system,” said Art Valentine, CEO of Pearson U.S. "This assessment is designed to foster that connection, giving educators meaningful data and information to support each learner’s journey toward active citizenship. The assessment encourages students to consider what it means to be a participant in civic life."

What’s Covered

Aligned with major topics common across state civics frameworks, the assessment covers:

  • Structure and Purpose of the US Constitution
  • Branches of Government
  • Domestic and Foreign Policy
  • State, Local, and Tribal Governments
  • Civil Rights and Liberties
  • Civic Participation

Each test consists of 20-25 questions; students read excerpts from historical texts and then respond to questions that require interpretation, application, and thoughtful engagement with civic knowledge. Excerpts are from documents including the US Constitution, Supreme Court cases, presidential addresses, historical works from ancient Greece, and more. Questions often integrate multiple concepts, reflecting how civics actually works in practice.

For Teachers and Schools

For teachers, results provide a greater understanding of student reasoning. Rather than just showing right or wrong answers, the assessment reveals how students think through civic problems, helping educators identify where additional support is needed.

Students in grades 3–12 can take the civics assessment twice a year, once in winter and again in spring. It can be administered independently or alongside other social studies assessments. Pearson's new civics assessment also complements instruction and assessment in Geography and Economics, helping educators build cross-disciplinary understanding.

For a Future of Engagement

When students learn to read, reason, and apply civic knowledge, they’re better equipped to understand their rights and responsibilities. Tools like Pearson’s new civics assessment support educators in guiding students toward informed, engaged citizenship, where they can participate more confidently in democratic life.