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.
Curriculum
Colorado Students Protest School Board's History Proposal
Hundreds of students stage a walkout in protest of a Colorado district school board's plan to change its history curriculum to one that portrays the United States in a better light.
Curriculum
Colo. Students Protest School Board History Proposal
Hundreds of students walk out of school in protest of a Colorado district school board's plan to change its history curriculum to something that portrays the United States in a better light.
Education
Opinion
10 Thoughts on the New AP U.S. History Framework
The College Board's revision of the AP U.S. History curriculum framework has ignited a firestorm. Contrary to some recent attacks, it's not malicious, but it does raise questions about intellectual balance.
Education
College Board 'Clarifies' New AP U.S. History Framework
The College Board releases a full-length sample of its AP U.S. history test in response to criticism that it presents a negative view of American history.
Teaching
Opinion
Response: Teaching History By Not Giving 'The Answers'
Today, Bruce Lesh, PJ Caposey, and Dave Orphal share their thoughts, and I'm also including comments from readers.
Teaching
Opinion
Response: Teaching History By Encouraging Curiosity
Today, educators Diana Laufenberg, Sarah Kirby-Gonzalez and Peter Pappas contribute their responses.
Teaching
Opinion
How Can History Teachers Make the Curriculum More Engaging?
Lychellia Cheeks asks:
What are some stories (testimonials) of the process teachers experienced when moving from the "stereotypical history teacher who only gives multiple choice tests on the dates of battles and offers their students a steady diet of mind dumbing worksheets and lectures." (Eric Langhorst, part two of your response to Ways We Can Teach Social Studies More Effectively; April 2012).
What are some stories (testimonials) of the process teachers experienced when moving from the "stereotypical history teacher who only gives multiple choice tests on the dates of battles and offers their students a steady diet of mind dumbing worksheets and lectures." (Eric Langhorst, part two of your response to Ways We Can Teach Social Studies More Effectively; April 2012).
Equity & Diversity
Opinion
Hispanics Are Forgotten in Civil Rights History
High school senior Nicholas Dauphine writes that U.S. history has all but erased the struggles of Hispanics against racism.
Education
Opinion
Should We Rewrite American History Books?
When it comes to textbooks, every school district in the nation has its own system for ordering. What a district chooses impacts what the students in those boundaries learn. When it comes to subjects like math, science and even English there are some absolute truths that must be followed. When it comes to history or social sciences though, there is some wiggle room. These subjects have their own facts, of course, but the perspective can make all the difference. Of all topics, these have the ability to be biased or slanted towards a particular group.
Science
Teaching 'Big History' With Visual Timelines
A new classroom tool—and its associated curricula—builds on the idea that big history is worth teaching at all levels.
Standards & Accountability
Opinion
Using History to Invigorate Common-Core Lessons
Teachers should draw on historical texts to give life to the literacy objectives of the common-core standards, Stanford University's Sam Wineburg writes.
Curriculum
Letter to the Editor
History Instruction Often Marginalized
To the Editor:
One of the longest-running complaints in education is that history is "boring" and is presented as a list of disconnected names, dates, and events to be memorized. However, rather than rehash a rebuttal to the unsubstantiated and anecdotal Commentary "Let's Overhaul How We Teach History," (Jan. 30, 2013), it should be apparent to most observers that the "boring" condemnation is no longer relevant.
One of the longest-running complaints in education is that history is "boring" and is presented as a list of disconnected names, dates, and events to be memorized. However, rather than rehash a rebuttal to the unsubstantiated and anecdotal Commentary "Let's Overhaul How We Teach History," (Jan. 30, 2013), it should be apparent to most observers that the "boring" condemnation is no longer relevant.
Equity & Diversity
Opinion
We're Teaching History Wrong
For many students, history is not presented as an edifying learning experience but rather a litany of disconnected events, writes Vicky Schippers.
Teaching Profession
Know a Great History Teacher?
The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, HISTORY, and Preserve America are now accepting nominations for the National History Teacher of the Year Award, which recognizes accomplished K-12 American history teachers.