Douglas Alexander: “this week high school students from all across the Nation have come together to celebrate National History Day at the…”

“this week high school students from all across the Nation have come together to celebrate National History Day at the University of Maryland. I would like to commend these students, their parents, and their teachers for demonstrating such interest to the study of history. History education is the foundation of a quality education, and ensuring that we have passionate and dedicated students of history is an important accomplishment of the competitions and events at the University of Maryland this week. The National History Day program delivers yearlong programs dedicated to improving the teaching and learning of history across our country. Over 1.5 million students, teachers and parents, participate in the instructional and research projects each year. Since 1994, millions of Americans from all across the country have improved their knowledge of history through participation in this creative program. We know that there is a need for better teaching and learning of history. The 2006 National Assessment of Educational Progress, NAEP, U.S. History report card shows that 82 percent of 4th graders, 83 percent of 8th graders, and 77 percent of high school seniors scored below proficient in historical knowledge. These results are similar to results for the past decade in NAEP assessments, and it concerns me greatly.”