Recently, I was deeply concerned by the latest National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data showing that only 13% of eighth-grade students scored proficient in U.S. History and 22% in Civics—the lowest levels in decades. These results, combined with the growing social volatility in our cities—marked by organized protests, riots, and acts of violence—signal a deeper cultural and civic decline. Listening to interviews with participants, I am struck by how little understanding they possess of American history, constitutional government, or civic duty.
When I ran the American Institute for History Education (AIHE), our Teacher American History grans programs helped raise teachers’ content mastery from roughly the 50th percentile to near the 90th percentile. With deeper knowledge and stronger analytical methods, we observed commensurate gains in student performance. I remain convinced that restoring civic understanding and national unity must begin in the classroom.
After considerable reflection, I realized there is still much I can do. I am launching a new initiative to speak publicly on Education, U.S. History, and Civics, and to offer Professional Development workshops focused on History Content, Instructional Methods, and Reading Strategies.