Does history matter?

This weekend I spent about 10 hours going through over 500 potential social studies test questions. The Florida Competency Assessment Test, or FCAT only tests reading, math and science. Current legislation will require that social studies also to be tests. As a social studies teacher, I am conflicted over this.

On one hand, our students are already being over tested. They are bombarded with high stakes exams that determine their placement in high school and also whether or not they will graduate. Students who do not achieve a competent score on the test are required to take enrichment classes in areas where they are deficient. These classes replace P.E., art and music classes.

On the other hand, I do not like hearing my students say that "history class doesn't matter because we don't take an FCAT for it." I believe the lessons I teach my student are some of the most important that they will learn. I start my class off each year by telling my students that "history is cyclical and that those who choose to forget it are doomed to repeat it." We then look through past events and compare them to how similar situations are occurring today.

Not having an exam certainly does give me some elasticity with the curriculum. If I do not hit every topic, I know that my students will not be penalized for it. The only request I have from the State is that when they do give us a State exam that they consult with classroom teachers first. My work this weekend was a good step in that direction and I hope they continue to work hand in hand with educators when determining how our students should be assessed.