The State of State World History Standards, 2006

This first-ever thorough report reviews academic standards in world history in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to determine whether we are setting the solid, challenging expectations for our schools and children that will equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge it will need. The report, written by renowned historian Walter Russell Mead, finds that only twelve states earned honors grades of A or B on this appraisal, while 33 received Ds or Fs. This poor result is especially frustrating in light of a recent National Geographic study which shows students demonstrate little interest in learning about the world, though a small but growing number are taking state and national exams in the subject. California, Georgia, Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, South Carolina, and Virginia developed exceptional standards, worthy of emulation, but most states stumbled. This report provides state rankings, scores, grades, and national averages. [Foreword by Chester E. Finn, Jr. and Martin A. Davis, Jr.]