REA conducted a year-long evaluation of the National History Day (NHD) program, in order to add empirical data to anecdotal evidence confirming the success of the program. NHD more than half a million students annually and seeks to teach critical thinking, research and communication skills. Over the program's three decades, students, teachers, and parents alike have praised the program for helping students develop these skills, which they have put to good in college and careers. REA's year-long study, which included a diverse group of 500 NHD and comparison-group students in four states,confirmed that the program helps students acquire 21st century skills, a mature understanding of past and current events, and college-level research skills—and that NHD students outperform their peers on statewide standardized assessments.

REPORTS:

NHD: Report (pdf)