Assessment in the history, civics and social studies domains

This article describes large-scale and classroom-level assessments in history, civics, and social studies. Although educators in these domains share many of the concerns of those in other subject areas regarding the content, format, and purposes of assessment, there are challenges and issues associated with these domains that make assessment particularly problematic. The nature and structure of the disciplines, as well as their underlying citizenship education purpose, often conflict with traditional conceptions of assessment. Little research has been conducted on the impact of assessment in these domains on teaching and learning.