History
Education news, analysis, and opinion about how history is taught
Who Decides What History We Teach? An Explainer
Education Week breaks down how politics has long been embedded in this decision, and how new laws may affect the process.
Social Studies
Opinion
When History Class Feels Like Propaganda: A Student's Perspective
Black history is treated as a separate concept from American and world history, but it shouldn’t be, writes high schooler Lauryn Donovan.
Social Studies
Trump Commission Says Identity Politics and 'Bitterness' Have Warped History Classes
The 1776 Commission's report emphasizes "patriotic education," but might play a negligible role in classrooms.
Social Studies
History Educators Respond to Trump: It Matters How We Tell the National Story
Social studies and history education organizations, and many teachers, lambasted President Trump's efforts to "promote patriotic education."
Federal
Trump Blasts 'Left-Wing Indoctrination' in History Classes as 'Child Abuse'
As the 2020 presidential election draws closer, the president has repeatedly attacked what he's called the "propaganda" that students are taught in history class and vowed steps to combat it.
Social Studies
Trump Targets History Class as Well as School Choice in Bid for Second Term
As the president accepts his party’s nomination, his messaging reflects a bundle of priorities, from getting schools back open and pushing school choice to the hot-button issue of how American history is taught.
Education
Opinion
Moving Beyond Black History Month
During this time of what we hope will be a great white awakening, we need to expose our children to positive role models who look like them. And it needs to happen more than just one month a year.
Curriculum
Opinion
How Should Teachers Handle the Movement to 'Rewrite' High School History? Embrace It
The history curriculum is a good place for educators to take the initiative on racial justice, urge history educators Jack Doyle and Chris Doyle.
School & District Management
U.S. History and Civics a No-Go Next Year for Nation's Report Card
The National Assessment Governing Board has voted to skip the next administration of the National Assessment of Educational Progress in 2021 because of potential logistics and financial problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Curriculum
Why These Teachers and Students Want Juneteenth in the Curriculum
The day has long been celebrated by black communities, but it's still a topic that many students and teachers say isn't covered in schools.
Assessment
8th Graders Don't Know Much About History, National Exam Shows
There was no good news for social studies instruction in the latest national assessment results: 8th graders’ performance plunged in history, dipped in geography, and stayed flat in civics.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Is Your School Affirming Institutional Racism During Black History Month?
One particularly tense staff meeting helped educator Robert Parker rethink how his school celebrated Black History Month.
Education
Letter to the Editor
Why Understanding History Matters
To the Editor:
The Jan. 8 article, "Sure, We Teach History. But Do We Know Why It's Important?" (Big Ideas special report), noted that 78 percent of educators surveyed believe the primary purpose of teaching history is "to prepare students to be active and informed citizens." The article also said that understanding the present in historical context can help us "decide on the best course of action ahead."
The Jan. 8 article, "Sure, We Teach History. But Do We Know Why It's Important?" (Big Ideas special report), noted that 78 percent of educators surveyed believe the primary purpose of teaching history is "to prepare students to be active and informed citizens." The article also said that understanding the present in historical context can help us "decide on the best course of action ahead."
Social Studies
Reported Essay
Sure, We Teach History. But Do We Know Why It's Important?
It’s always been a struggle to teach history in a way that resonates with students—especially when we can’t agree on why we should.
Teaching
Opinion
The Best Social Studies Lesson Is When History Comes 'Alive'
Carina Whiteside, Denise Fawcett Facey, Deborah Gatrell, and Mark Honeyman discuss what they think were their best social studies lessons that connected with their students.