On June 23, ACTA released The Story of Our Nation: How Well Do College Students Know America? The survey polled over 3,000 students on their understanding of American history and government. The results illuminate the urgent need for curricular reform. Fewer than half of the students surveyed knew that the purpose of the Federalist Papers was to gain ratification of the U.S. Constitution, and only 37% knew that the legislative branch has the power to declare war. The need to require the next generation of students to take well-designed courses in U.S. history and government is evident.
In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, ACTA is proud to share A Broadside for the Nation: Preparing College Students for Informed Citizenship. This publication examines the importance of ensuring that college students have a thorough understanding of American history and urges state policymakers to enact legislation that requires a course in American history and government. To learn more about how you can get involved in this effort, contact Nick Down.
A mandated “loyalty” pledge for Michigan State University trustees, which requires them to refrain from publicly criticizing board decisions, has drawn criticism for undermining free speech protections. Trustees who refuse to sign the oath would lose special privileges, such as access to sporting events, the ability to represent the institution at events, and travel reimbursements. University trustees, especially those elected by taxpayers, must be able to speak freely about university affairs and matters of public interest and concern, as protected by the First Amendment.
Former Indiana governor and Purdue University president Mitch Daniels engaged in a thoughtful Q&A examining the future of higher education. During his time at Purdue, Governor Daniels focused on fiscal discipline and reform. With his wide-ranging career as a corporate executive, political advisor, and public official, Daniels brings a thoughtful eye to the future of higher education.
In May, higher education experts met in Washington to update accreditation regulations, discussing the process that oversees $110 billion of taxpayer-funded financial aid. While these regulatory changes provide several promising improvements, they are no substitute for statutory reform. In updated legislation, Congress should prioritize oversight to ensure students receive a high-quality education that is also affordable.
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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.
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