Introduction of H.R. 6525, the American History and Civic Achievement Act

INTRODUCTION OF H.R. 6525, THE AMERICAN HISTORY AND CIVIC ACHIEVEMENT ACT -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 25, 2008)

SPEECH OF
HON. BETTY McCOLLUM
OF MINNESOTA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2008

* Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, last week I introduced the American History and Civic Achievement Act to renew our national commitment to teaching history and civics in America's schools. This legislation is a companion to S. 1414, a bill authored by Senators Kennedy and Alexander, and it will help ensure that our schools maintain their important civic role in creating the next generation of engaged and informed citizens.

* Social studies education is a vital mission of our public schools. With our rapidly changing world and all the challenges we must face as an international community, it is more important than ever that children grasp basic concepts about history, civics, geography and economics. These core disciplines help students understand the world today and give them the ability to think about possibilities for making things better tomorrow.

* It is alarming that studies indicate that too many students do not know history and geography or understand basic facts about government and economics. According to the most recent National Assessment of Education Programs (NAEP) for U.S. History and Civics, nearly 75 percent of eighth graders cannot explain the historical importance of the Declaration of Independence. Even more eighth graders do not know why America was involved in the Korean War or how the fall of the Berlin Wall affected U.S. foreign policy.

* These trends threaten the future vitality of our democracy. While we are making some progress thanks to the hard work of many history and civics teachers in classrooms across America, we must do more. Additionally, underfunding is prompting many school districts to cut resources for social studies instruction.

* H.R. 6525 takes important steps to improve social studies education by making changes to the National Assessment of Education Programs (NAEP). This continuing assessment, also known as ``The Nation's Report Card,'' can currently evaluate social studies subjects--but only ``to the extent time and resources allow.'' While social studies testing is on the NAEP schedule, it has recently been targeted for elimination due to funding challenges. My legislation protects this important study in several ways: Requires a national assessment of students in American history under the NAEP at least every four years; creates new 10-state pilots to assess history and civics under NAEP to provide quality information and comparable results across states for educators; provides funding to ensure a quality assessment.

* This legislation will allow more effective analysis of social studies in classrooms across America. The future of our democracy relies on having well-educated, highly skilled citizens with the ability to think critically, which is why I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Source