Teaching to the Test: Undermining Academic Rebellion (2020s)

Advanced Placement US History (APUSH) courses offered in high schools, and the materials learned from them, have important implications for students. Since APUSH courses can be used as college credit, some young people might not even take a subsequent history course when in college—making the curricula in these classes all the more important. This chapter looks specifically at a 2020 textbook titled Fabric of a Nation used for APUSH courses. Out of all the textbooks looked at in this analysis, Fabric of a Nation is undoubtedly the most inclusive and most up to date. It prompts critical thinking and includes more accurate historical context. However, the book is not perfect. It continues to reinforce Native American passivity and doesn’t expand enough on issues of immigration when it comes to Mexican and im/migrant representations.