Reply #9: Civics and History - Current Education Higher Ups Just Don´t Care

[Norma Druid]

Two days ago I reviewed my granddaughter´s syllabus for the 4th grade TCAP (Tennessee) high stakes testing. There is a small Social Studies section she is having trouble with. Yea, I can see why. The sections on math, science, and grammar are presented in large type with appropriate illustrations. The social studies section is at best typesize 8 to 10, printed on dark green paper. All other sections have pictures or diagrams. This one gives intricate instructions on how to read a map with no map to demonstrate on. Apparently parents are supposed to be alert and provide a map. The information the kids have to learn for the test is scattershot. For instance, there are 4 explorers (3 Spaniards plus Lewis & Clark), then a few scattered Great Americans, then a few scattered Great Tennesseans. There is a list of major rivers, NONE OF WHICH ARE IN TENNESSEE. The Mississippi runs on the state´s western boundary, sure, but that´s it. There is also a scattering of Native Americans - Olmecs, Aztecs, Mississippi Mound Builders, Cherokee, Creek, Chickasaw, and Shawnee. Note we have Aztecs with no mention of Cortez and Pizzaro with no mention of the Incas.
They did do a reasonable job on checks and balances, the branches of government, and how a bill becomes law. Information on the Bill of Rights is sketchy at best.
No wonder our kids say why do we have to learn this! It´s all disconnected and thrown at them as a ´have to´.