English

ERIC ED647374: Civics Education. Blueprint for Reform

American colleges and universities are failing at civic education. Too many graduates are ignorant of basic facts about American history and institutions. According to its most recent report on what colleges and universities teach students, the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) found that only 214 institutions out of 1,135 (about 19 percent) require a foundational course in U.S. government or history. Even history majors often are not required to study American history. Universities aren't just failing to teach students about their country's history and constitutional structure, many actively propagate distorted and erroneous depictions of American history. Furthermore, these universities have reimagined "civics education" as a form of political activism. An honest grounding in American history and principles will enable students to become knowledgeable, responsible, and engaged citizens. It will allow them to both understand their constitutional rights and respect those of others. And it may awaken in them an appreciation of the freedoms they enjoy and a sense of duty to preserve them.

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