Sentence:  In the primary and secondary schools, the student is taught the rudiments of literacy and arithmetic; is introduced to history and literature; acquires the beginner's skills in mathematics; is <WSD>noddingly</WSD> acquainted with science; and in general, is given a perspective on the modern world and of his and her place in it. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  To a very minor degree; slightly.