ACTA in the NewsHistorical Literacy
National group backs NC REACH Act
RALEIGH — A national group focused on academic freedom and excellence is backing a North Carolina House bill that would increase courses in American history and government.
Front Page: ACTA Releases No U.S. History? Report. Over the past decade, ACTA has repeatedly called attention to the troubling pattern of historical and civic illiteracy among U.S. college graduates. In surveys commissioned by ACTA, less than 20% of respondents could correctly identify—in a multiple-choice survey—the effect of the Emancipation Proclamation.
ACTA’s new report, No U.S. History?, exposes how top colleges neglect American history, even for history majors, despite alarming civic illiteracy. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy earned an “A” in ACTA’s What Will They Learn? report, and four programs joined the Oases of Excellence initiative. ACTA also cohosted a national security seminar with the Alexander Hamilton Institute, and featured David Bruce Smith on the Higher Ed Now podcast.
To stay informed, sign up for our digital newsletter using the button below.
RELATED
CONTENT
Historical Literacy
ACTA Testimony on North Carolina House Bill 7
On April 2, Nick Down, ACTA’s Associate Director of External Affairs, offered proponent testimony before the North Carolina House Higher Education Committee on H. 7. This legislation would require all students attending public colleges and universities within the state to take a three-credit hour course in American history prior to graduation. Read the full testimony […]
PodcastsCivic Education
Jane Calvert: The Imperative to Study America’s Founding
In this episode, ACTA Vice President of Policy Bradley Jackson talks with Jane Calvert, director of the John Dickinson Writings Project and a member of ACTA’s National Commission on American History and Civic Education.
WHO WE ARE
Launched in 1995, we are the only organization that works with alumni, donors, trustees, and education leaders across the United States to support liberal arts education, uphold high academic standards, safeguard the free exchange of ideas on campus, and ensure that the next generation receives an intellectually rich, high-quality college education at an affordable price.
Discover MoreSTAY INFORMED
Sign up to receive updates on the most pressing issues facing our college campuses.