Summary
Eighth-grade U.S. history and civics test scores dropped last year to their lowest levels ever recorded by the Department of Education. These are just the latest declines among subjects tested since the pandemic. John Yang has a look at what's behind the numbers. For a transcript of this story, click here . News wrap alternative : Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching! You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.Five Facts
- What testing scores dropped to their lowest levels ever reported by the Department of Education?
- Who is interviewed at the start of this story, and why is he not surprised by the results of recent testing?
- When did states start to de-prioritize social studies and history, according to Patrick Kelly?
- Why should students learn civics, history and social studies according to Kelly?
- How can "struggling with the hard parts of our history" help us now, according to Kelly?
Focus Questions
Why do you think test scores are down for civics and history? What do you think is a good way to improve them? News analysis : Some have pointed to other causes for lower test scores, such as disrupted learning during COVID. Why do you think these possible causes weren't explored in this story? What was the focus of the story? Alternative : See, Think, Wonder : What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?For More
What students can do : Discuss — watch the following segment from earlier this year on educators' efforts to counter learning loss from the COVID pandemic. After watching, discuss — how much do you think lower test scores are a reflection of this learning loss? How much is a reflection of deprioritizing civics and history? What else might have helped contribute to lower scores?STUDENT VIDEO OF THE DAY (July 26, 2021)
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