Congress OKs Wicker Bill to Boost History, Civics Education

Statement

Congress has approved a bill I sponsored that is designed to strengthen the teaching of American history and civics in our nation's classrooms. The bill won unanimous approval in the House of Representatives and Senate in the lame-duck session. It will soon be signed into law by President Bush.

I was proud to team with Tennessee Senator and former U.S. Education Secretary Lamar Alexander on this initiative. Our goal with the American History and Civics Education Act is to improve student academic achievement and provide them with a better understanding of history and the workings of our federal government.

HISTORY, CIVICS KNOWLEDGE LACKING

Recent national surveys have revealed a disturbing lack of knowledge among Americans in these subject areas. One poll found that 62 percent of respondents could not name the three branches of the federal government. An assessment of civics conducted in our nation's schools showed that 75 percent of our students were not proficient in history or civics. Fully one-third of fourth, eighth, and 12th graders did not have even a basic understanding of how the federal government functions.

The news from colleges and universities was also disappointing. An American history aptitude examination given to seniors at 55 of the nation's top colleges and universities yielded disappointing results. Eighty-one percent of the students received either a D or F on the test, which consisted of 34 multiple-choice history questions at high school skills level.

One reason for the low scores may be that most of our colleges and universities require no history credits at all for graduation. As a result, more than one-half of high school history teachers in America received their college degrees in subjects other than history. We hope our efforts will place renewed interest in these subjects as well as promote greater appreciation of the work previous generations of Americans contributed to creating and preserving our great system of government.

ACADEMIES FOR TEACHERS, STUDENTS

The legislation authorizes the Secretary of Education to award competitive grants out of existing funds for summer academies that would promote civics and history education. The grants would be available to colleges and universities as well as museums, libraries, non-profit organizations, and other entities with the capability to enhance the teaching of history and civics education.

Sessions for teachers will not dictate a rigid, pre-set curriculum. The academies will focus instead on developing new ideas and more creative ways to communicate the history and civics curriculum to students. Separate academies for students would offer a unique and more comprehensive look at these subject areas.

The bill had support from leaders and organizations on both ends of the political spectrum. Such broad backing demonstrates that these important subjects have no ideology. This effort can be a catalyst for helping future generations of Americans gain a greater knowledge of history and the workings of our federal government.

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