Civics and U.S. History

In October 2005, Dr. Sandra Stotsky was the keynote speaker for CEO's Education Forum on U.S. History and Civics education.  Dr. Stotsky's scholarly presentation addressed "Why American Students Know So Little American History and What We Can Do About It."  To read Dr. Stotsky's speech, click here.

Historical Illiteracy - "As we move forward into the 21st century, our leaders are graduating with an alarming

                              ignorance of their heritage - a collective amnesia - and a profound historical illiteracy which

                              bodes ill for the future of the republic."  To read this CEO article, click here.

American Council of Trustees and Alumni administered a U.S. History test to seniors attending the top 55

                              American colleges and universities.  The scores were abysmal.  To take the test, click here.

"Securing Our Liberties" - A 2005 look at Civics and U.S. History education.  To read this CEO article,

                               click here.

"Effective State Standards for U.S. History - A 2003 Report Card" - This Fordham Foundation report

                               by Dr. Sheldon Stern of Harvard evaluates U.S. History standards for every state. 

                               Pennsylvania received an "F."  To download the report, click here.

"The Stealth Curriculum: Manipulating America's History Teachers" - Dr. Sandra Stotsky's revealing

                               look at some problematic teacher development programs and supplemental teaching

                               materials. To download, click here.

"Civic V. Citizenship: Traditional Civics Education is in Trouble" - An interesting look at current civics

                               education by Gilbert Sewall of the American Textbook Council.  To read, click here.

American Textbook Council - Under the direction of Gilbert Sewall, history and civics textbooks are

                               evaluated.  Click here to go to their website.

"Multicultural Illiteracy" - Dr. Sandra Stotsky states, "Diversity has come to mean looking at a student as

                               a representative of a particular demographic category."  To read this article , click here.