While the 2016 election brought a renewed interest in
engagement among youth, 4 only 23 percent of eighth - graders performed
at or above the proficient level on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) civics exam, and achievement levels have virtually
stagnated since 1998.5 In addition, the increased focus on math and reading in K - 12 education — while critical to prepare all students for success — has pushed out civics and other important subjects.