Starting next year, students most likely will no longer be required to take the Government High School Assessment, a state-wide test intended to measure students’ understanding of civics. At Whitman, 330 students currently take AP NSL and currently only have to take the HSA if they score a two or below on the AP test.The HSA will be eliminated because No Child Left Behind doesn’t require data from a test on government, said the supervisor for the MCPS social studies program.
But the HSA shouldn’t be discontinued because civic education is a vital component of school, and with the elimination of the test, the state isn’t making the subject a priority. It’s important for students to know about the framework and process of today’s government and the class is basic for those who want to study government in college. This decision sends a message that social studies is less important than biology, English or algebra, the other HSAs students are still required to pass in order to graduate.
Social studies teacher Robert Mathis said the HSA was eliminated for budgetary reasons: printing and distribution of the HSA costs $1.9 million each year. However, this decision comes after years of state emphasis on the importance of student knowledge about all levels of the U.S. Government. Maryland needs to avoid falling deeper into its $12 billion deficit, but eliminating this test is not the way to do so.
The decision wouldn’t have as big of an effect at Whitman because of the school’s high pass rate on the AP exam. However, the changes could likely impact students throughout the state because other schools’ AP participation rates aren’t as high. Most schools devote class time to prepare for the HSA, a review that can help reinforce the curriculum’s concepts for students.
Despite its cost, the NSL HSA shouldn’t be eliminated solely because federal rules don’t require it. The test covers vital material and the elimination of the tests sends the wrong message to students.
Someone • Jun 16, 2011 at 9:38 pm
Oh how is it sending a bad message? I just want to know why you people agree with that. HSA’s are a joke and a waste of money and a stupid and useless waste from Bush.
BigDaddy • Jun 6, 2011 at 9:50 pm
i think this is a WONDERFUL idea as a student attending a Prince Georges County public school I know that having HSA period is a waste of time and money no person that i know even remembers half the stuff they learned in high school anyway so why waste time paying for something thats not going the pay off in the long run
wolfram • Apr 7, 2011 at 1:51 pm
This isn’t surprising at all.
Irrelevant • Apr 5, 2011 at 6:45 pm
From your point of view, the HSA is pointless. From a broader view, NOT at one of the best public schools in Maryland, if not the nation (let’s pat ourselves on the back now, yes, that feels good), it’s a terrible decision. $1.9 million is a drop in the bucket, if that, and you’d be shocked at the number of adult U.S. citizens who cannot answer the most basic questions about our political system. Or, more importantly, the percentage.
A more effective policy might be to eliminate it at schools who have had near 100% pass rates several years in a row, and have proven themselves.
At the same time, the argument could be made that even one student leaving high school not knowing about the way we are governed, about the social contract, and about our rights is worth any cost, and certainly a tiny $1.9 million.
lol • Apr 4, 2011 at 7:55 am
haha. HSA is so pointless. Don’t worry, as a student I am not getting the message that they don’t care. I get the message that they realize the HSA is a joke of a test that is a pointless waste of money. I don’t think anyone else is too worried about this