An unintended consequence of the No Child Left Behind Act is that, due to the pressure to boost pupil achievement in reading, math, and science (the subjects tested under the federal law), schools are neglecting other valuable subjects, not least of which are history, civics, and geography - aka "social studies." Maryland, for example, no longer mandates assessments in history and social studies in elementary and middle schools nor does it include these subjects in statewide curriculum standards. Will NCLB lead to the end of history? It shouldn't. It only sets minimum requirements for receiving federal aid. Districts and states are supposed to augment these.
"There's wisdom in teaching knowledge with reading," by Karin Chenoweth, The Washington Post, June 5, 2003
"History and social studies education in Maryland, a cause for concern," by Margaret R. Burke, Ph.D., April 22, 2003