Economics Moves To Big Leagues, But Helping Students Learn Is Another Matter

Abstract:

Since 1969 the Department of Education has been administering nationwide tests in reading, mathematics, science, history, civics, geography, and the arts. But for the first time, high school seniors across the country were subjected to an economics assessment test last year to ascertain how well they understood basic economic forces – including personal finance – in their lives. The good news is that students did better than expected. The bad news is that an anomaly in the results casts doubts on the best way to teach it.

Originally published for distribution by state associations throughout the country.