It is a much-lamented fact that research with the potential to inform or influence education policy instead remains policy inert. There are many reasons for this frustrating state of affairs, including a lack of strategic thinking on the part of researchers on how to successfully accomplish outreach--as opposed to communication with peers…

The purpose of this study was to utilize an ethnically homogeneous design to examine Black female student U.S. History content-specific knowledge. The study aims to elucidate the importance of singlegroup analyses as an alternative to between-group comparative designs. The present study utilized a critical, quantitative, descriptive research…

All students need to know and understand the origins and evolution of their nation. They also need to understand the development of the nation's democratic institutions and ideals so that they are prepared to take part knowledgeably, as citizens and voters, in shaping America's future. The framework in U.S. history for the 1994-2018 National…

The National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) shows a civic knowledge gap similar to the achievement gap, showing urban youth struggling in particular. However, research has shown that urban youth can be civically engaged when they are involved in projects or organizing intended to improve community conditions, not simply absorbing civic…

As the 21st century unfolds, the United States faces historic challenges, including a struggling economy, an aging infrastructure and global terrorism. Solutions will have to come from educated, skilled citizens who understand and believe in our democratic system and are civically engaged. This incisive new report examines these fault lines and…

The 2010 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) U.S. history assessment measures how well fourth-, eighth-, and twelfth-graders are learning American history, and whether they can evaluate historical evidence and understand change and continuity over time. Comparing the results from the 2010 assessment to results from previous years…

U.S. students have consistently lagged behind their peers in other nations on international science assessments--a performance increasingly at odds with the challenge of being able to live and compete in a global environment, powered by innovations in science, engineering and technology. A strong foundation in science is clearly critical if…

Are America's schools broken? "Education Hell: Rhetoric vs. Reality" seeks to address misconceptions about America's schools by taking on the credo "what can be measured matters." To the contrary, Dr. Bracey makes a persuasive case that much of what matters cannot be assessed on a multiple choice test. The challenge for…

We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution is a civics curriculum developed by the Center for Civic Education (Center). The program, utilized in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms, is intended to foster civic competence and responsibility among America's youth. While educating youth about the principles of American constitutional…

Highlights a recently reported national survey of what young Americans (ages 9-35) know and understand about their constitutional rights, the political process, the role of government and basic democratic principles. Findings indicate that many Americans are unfamiliar with the political functionings of the country or their rights guaranteed under…

Recognizes the decline of history instruction and reports the results of the recent pilot test of the history knowledge of 17-year-old high school students by the National Assessment of Educational Progress. Lists the various projects of the National Endowment for the Humanities designed to strengthen United States History instruction. (JDH)

Discusses access to information technology among school-age children based on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and suggests implications of the results for a democratic society. Highlights include computer literacy; access to computers outside of school, specifically in the home; and racial/ethnic differences. (Contains 10…

This digest briefly summarizes the contents of the "Civics Framework for the 1998 National Assessment of Educational Progress" in terms of the Framework's development and components including civic knowledge, civic skills, and civic dispositions. The framework may be used to inform and guide curriculum development projects in civics and…

The annual report on the state of education notes that after the shock of September 11, came a renewed sense of patriotism among young people. Charts and graphs display test results of the civic knowledge of U.S. 9th graders, scores from 4th-grade reading tests, 4th-, 8th-, and 12th grade math tests, and SAT scores Other items include…