Economics Not Such a Dismal Science for US High School Students (1/2)

How much do American high school students know about economics? A new report shows that 79% of twelfth-graders have at least a basic level of understanding. The results come from testing 11500 students last year in public and private schools. In fact, students did better in economics than in history or science. Only 47% of those tested reached the basic level in history. And 54% performed at or above the basic level in science.

This is the first time the federal government has measured economic understanding among high school students. The study was done as part of the National Assessment of Educational Progress, called the Nation's Report Card.

Only one-third of the 50 states require it, but most students these days study some economics in high school. In 1982, 49% of high school graduates had taken an economics class. By 2005 it was 66%.

The study rated understanding at 3 levels: basic, proficient and advanced. 42% of students reached the proficient level. 3% tested at the highest achievement level.