U.S. students' 'alarming' history scores: 5 takeaways

In a nationwide test, only 12 percent of America's high school seniors demonstrated proficiency in history. How has it come to this?

Students
(Image credit: CORBIS)

"Don't know much about history," Sam Cooke sang in his 1960 hit "Wonderful World," unaware just how prescient his lyrics were. According to the latest results of a nationwide test on American history, just 20 percent of fourth graders, 17 percent of eight graders, and 12 percent of high school seniors tested at a proficient level. What should we make of this "alarming" report card? Here, five possible lessons:

1. Blame No Child Left Behind

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