Book excerpt: This report is a first look at the results of the 1994 NAEP U.S. History Assessment. It presents national findings of 4th-, 8th-, and 12-grade students' overall performance and summary data for the major demographic subpopulations in the United States. Results are reported on a 500-point scale, used to show comparisons and trends over time, and according to the achievement levels, which are in a developmental stage, established by the National Assessment Governing Board. About 60 percent of the assessment was devoted to performance exercises with the remainder to multiple-choice questions. Sample questions for grade level are provided. The preliminary results show: (1) the pattern of average scores by grade was typical of other subjects assessed by NAEP; (2) among the different regions of the United States, student scores varied by each grade level with high school seniors in the Southeast scoring a lower average than those in the Northeast and Central regions; (3) 17 percent of 4th graders, 14 percent of 8th graders, and 11 percent of 12th graders reached the proficient level which demonstrates competency in challenging subject matter; (4) 64 percent of 4th graders, 61 percent of 8th graders and 43 percent of 12th graders attained at least the basic level which demonstrates partial mastery of challenging subject matter; (5) across the three grades, 1 to 2 percent reached the advanced level showing superior performance; (6) U.S. history scores at all grade levels were higher for students whose parents had more education; (7) at grade 12, males scored higher than females in U.S. history with no differences between males and females in average scores evident at grades 4 and 8; (8) at grades 4, 8, and 12, White and Asian students had significantly higher U.S. history scores than did Black and Hispanic students; and (9) 4th-, 8th-, and 12th-grade students attending non-public schools displayed higher U.S. history scores than their counterparts attending public schools. Tables, figures, and graphs accompany the text. (EH)