Do we know what we think we know?

In the report study issued by the American Revolution Center, the authors note a disturbing trend in American education:

“Many high schools now forego teaching about the American Revolution in favor of global studies. The trade-off is that, for many of us, learning about the American Revolution ends after grade school.”

“Today, according to a survey by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), not one of the nation’s top 50-ranked universities and liberal arts colleges, as defined by U.S. News & World Report in 2002, requires a course in American history.”

To me, that trend is scary. Not that the study of other cultures is a bad thing, but without a establishing a foundation of knowledge based on our American heritage, we risk cutting ourselves off from that heritage.

Time for a Pop Quiz:

1. Is the Bill of Rights part of: a) U.S. Constitution; b) Declaration of Independence; c) Gettysburg Address; or d) Articles of Confederation?
2. The most important consequence of the Boston Tea Party was: a) Repeal of the tax on tea; b) Failure of the other colonies to support Boston’s action; c) Opening negotiations between Britain and Massachusetts; or d) Enactment by Parliament of the Coercive Acts?
3. Which document outlines the division of powers between the states and the federal government: a) Declaration of Independence; b) Marshall Plan; c) U.S. Constitution; or d) Homestead Act? 

Answers can be found at the end of this post. These questions are the first 3 offered in the survey by the ARC. Majorities correctly answer the first and third questions, but only 12% could answer the second. Generally speaking, the report found (emphasis mine):

Major Finding 1:
The vast majority of Americans thought that knowledge of the history and principles of the American Revolution is very important. Most also said that it is very important for schools to teach this subject.

Major Finding 2:
Most Americans gave themselves high marks on their knowledge of the American Revolution and our Founding documents.

Major Finding 3:
On a 27-question test, a national sample of American adults scored an average of only 44 percent correct. Nearly 83 percent received a failing grade, meaning that they could not answer more than 16 of the 27 questions correctly.

Major Finding 4:
Based on what they knew about the American Revolution and the Founding, most Americans said that freedom and liberty, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion were the most important values upon which America was founded.

Clearly, solid majorities are willing to say that knowledge of our American heritage is important. But unfortunately, that doesn’t translate into actual knowledge. We can look at an idea in the abstract and declare it good. We can say that knowledge is important, but when put to the test, with the spotlight on us, we can easily fall short. In this day and age, it is becoming more and more important to be able to articulate what we think, what we believe and what we know. Forgetting specific facts isn’t as big a deal as it is when we talk about specific principles on which America was founded. At least it appears that most still associate America's founding with the principles of freedom and liberty. That's a hopeful sign, but as the report also declares: “Without constant reinforcement, knowledge erodes.”

The common refrain of the bored student says, “Why do I have to learn this? How is it ever going to help me in the future?”

Considering the economic and domestic policies of today’s political class and the expansion of government in the last several decades, I’m thinking we’ve elected some of these formerly bored students to public office.

I think we all could stand a refresher course.

The answers: 1) A; 2) D; 3) C.