Our nation's founding fathers believed the study of history and citizenship should be at the core of every American's education. Yet, with studies showing less than one-quarter of American students proficient in either subject, far too few U.S. students are learning the lessons vital to life in our democratic society. "Why is it important to know and understand history and civics, how can we better engage students in these subjects, and what does high-quality instruction look like?" are some of the questions that will be explored on the U.S. Department of Education's monthly TV show, "Education News Parents Can Use," airing Tuesday and available on broadcast, satellite and cable outlets as well as on the Web.

"This program will offer parents and educators ideas for engaging students in history and civics studies," said U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige. "Students must have an understanding and appreciation of our nation's history and government for democracy to thrive."

The program will feature interviews with department officials and guests on efforts to improve the teaching of American history and civics, and showcase successful programs from schools around the country. Features include:

• A taped conversation between Secretary Paige and National Endowment for the Humanities Chairman Bruce Cole; and
• A profile of a rigorous history and civics program at the High School of American Studies at Lehman College in Bronx, N.Y.

Key guests include: Michael Petrilli, associate deputy under secretary, Office of Innovation and Improvement; Myra Luftman, principal, High School of American Studies at Lehman College; Cynthia Mostoller, American history teacher, Alice Deal Junior High School, Washington, D.C.; and Robert Hu, teacher of American civics and ethnic studies, Mililani High School, Mililani, Hawaii.

Other guests include: James Percoco, American history teacher, West Springfield High School, Springfield, Va.; Cathy Gorn, executive director, National History Day; Lee Ann Potter, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C., and Ruben Zepeda, director, Los Angeles American History Institute, Los Angeles Unified School District.

A number of cable services across the nation will carry the program -- many live -- from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., EDT. In Washington, the show will appear live on Channel 28, the D.C. Public Schools cable channel.

A complete listing of viewer options is posted at http://registerevent.ed.gov/. In addition, the program will be webcast at www.connectlive.com/events/ednews/.

Details about the "Education News Parents Can Use" series can be found at http://www.ed.gov/news/av/video/edtv/index.html.

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