civics education

8 Stories

8th-Graders' History Scores Are a 'National Concern'

US history, civics scores hit record low in national assessment

(Newser) - Far too many American students are failing to learn the basics about their country's history and how their government operates, according to the assessment known as the "Nation's Report Card." The average history score among eighth-graders on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) dropped five...

Roberts Warns of Disinformation Spreading Online

Chief justice said lack of civics education is a problem

(Newser) - As false information and rumor spread instantly online, John Roberts said, it's even more important that Americans understand how their government works. But civics education has "fallen by the wayside," the chief justice said in his annual report on the federal judiciary, and Americans "have come...

Poll: 10% of Grads Think Judge Judy Is on SCOTUS

Standards are obviously slipping, education group says

(Newser) - A ridiculous proportion of American college graduates believe that daytime TV's Judge Judy is actually Justice Judy of the US Supreme Court, according to the American Council of Trustees and Alumni . The nonprofit group, which pushes for high standards in education, says a poll of 1,000 grads found...

Politician's Lesson for Kids Was on Kid Suicide Bombers

Ariz. Rep. Matt Salmon also thought nuclear weapons made for lively conversation

(Newser) - Matt Salmon's job was to show up at the San Tan Charter School and give a fun civics lesson to curious second- and third-graders. But the Arizona congressman's appearance last week veered off the topic of vetoes—using the Iran nuclear deal as an example, which the Washington ...

Arizona Is First to Require Civics Test in High School

Starting in 2017, those who fail won't get diploma

(Newser) - Today's high school sophomores in Arizona will have an extra exam to pass before collecting their diplomas in two years—a civics test. Gov. Doug Ducey proposed the requirement in his state-of-the-state address, and Arizona lawmakers approved it today, reports the Arizona Republic . The measure goes into effect in...

Third of US Wouldn't Pass Citizenship Test

But 77% say we should be able to

(Newser) - Nearly all applicants for US citizenship pass the civics section of the naturalization test. But native citizens should be thanking their lucky stars they were born here. If they were to take the exam, more than a third would fail, a study finds—this despite the fact that 77% of...

High Schooler to Michele Bachmann: Let's Debate Constitution and US History
High Schooler to Bachmann:
Let's Debate History
in case you missed it

High Schooler to Bachmann: Let's Debate History

Teen calls her grasp of civics 'grossly distorted'

(Newser) - Concerned that Michele Bachmann’s take on US civics is “factually incorrect, inaccurately applied or grossly distorted,” a New Jersey teen has challenged the Minnesota representative to a debate on US history and the Constitution, the Minnesota Independent reports. “The frequent inability you have shown to accurately...

You Need a License to Drive, Why Not to Vote?
You Need a License to Drive, Why Not to Vote?
OPINION

You Need a License to Drive, Why Not to Vote?

The nation is falling behind in civics education

(Newser) - We require drivers to take classes and test them on the rules of the road. Why? Because we believe that when the stakes are high, competence is essential. “Yet when it comes to voting, we let everyone participate once they turn 18,” complains Alexander Heffner of the Christian ...

8 Stories