History, American Democracy, and the AP Test Controversy

Wilfred M. McClay (University of Oklahoma) - Historical study and history education in the United States today are in a bad way, and the causes are linked. In both cases, we have lost our way by forgetting that the study of the past makes the most sense when it is connected to a larger, public purpose, and is thereby woven into the warp and woof of our common life. The chief purpose of a high school education in American history is not the development of critical thinking and analytic skills, although the acquisition of such skills is vitally important; nor is it the mastery of facts, although a solid grasp of the factual basis of American history is surely essential; nor is it the acquisition of a genuine historical consciousness, although that certainly would be nice to have too, particularly under the present circumstances, in which historical memory seems to run at about 15 minutes, especially with the young. --No, the chief purpose of a high school education in American history is...

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July/August 2015 | Volume 44, Number 7/8
Imprimis | A monthly digest on liberty and the defense of America's founding principles