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American History, Humanities and Civics: Shaping America´s Future - Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Time: 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM ET
"History is a critical part of our nation´s school curriculum. It is through history that we understand our past and contemplate our future. Our shared history is what unites us as Americans."
—Rod Paige, U.S. Secretary of Education
From the earliest days of America’s independence as a nation, the study of our history has been essential to the preservation of our democracy and our freedom. Knowing our history enables us to understand our nation’s traditions and conflicts, as well as its central ideas, values and organizing principles. Knowledge of world history enables us to understand other cultures and global events that affect the status and our understanding of our place in the world. Conversely, lacking historical memory deprives us of a sense of our national identity and, in Lynne Cheney’s words, of “a perspective on human existence.”
The primary responsibility for teaching history, humanities and civics rests with our elementary and secondary schools. Unfortunately, research tells us that too few U.S. students are learning those lessons well. The U.S. Department of Education’s National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which tracks the understanding of both civics and American history among K–12 students, shows that less than one-quarter of America’s students are proficient in either subject.
To help schools and communities around the country create an engaged and informed citizenry, President Bush has established efforts to improve the teaching of American history and civics and to make historical resources more accessible to teachers and students. By raising standards and bringing history alive in elementary and secondary schools, colleges, universities and cultural institutions, these programs are helping teachers to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of American history and are helping our students become better citizens..
The May 2004 edition of Education News will explore questions such as:
- In what ways is the U. S. Department of Education helping improve history and civics education?
- How do history, the humanities and civics create better citizens? What does the research say about this connection?
- What does high-quality history and civics instruction look like? How important is it for teachers to be experts in history?
- What should students be learning in history and civics at the elementary, middle and high school grades? How can we make history engaging for students while not watering down the content we´re teaching them?
- How can parents encourage their children to learn history and civics outside of the classroom? What resources are available to parents to assist them in this effort?
- What types of partnerships can help to ensure that students have high-quality history, humanities and civics instruction?
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