Common Core is not as concerned with whether or not certain subjects are tested as we are with ensuring that all subjects are taught. However, when states drop social studies from their testing regimen, it sends the message that learning about history, geography, and culture is unimportant.
Last month we wrote about Virginia considering eliminating its 3rd grade social studies test; ultimately, the state superintendent decided to keep it. That is not the case for Ohio; the state legislature has already made the decision to eliminate the test for a meager savings of $2 million over the next two years.
Only 61% of 5th graders passed the most recent test. What’s worse? The fact that only 30% of African-American students and 43% of Latino students passed. Instead of divesting from social studies education, Ohio should be concentrating on it more.
LB
Coming from the angle of a parent and an American I find this to be quite sad for the families of Ohio. There is almost no teaching of history in Montgomery County MD public schools in elementary to middle school. It is so bad that we are actually moving to VA because the history and civics education is so strong. I was worried when I saw that they almost cut testing in third grade. The best way to make people reliant on the government is to keep them uneducated. I hope Ohioans don’t just stand by and let this happen.