Report: 'fear factor' holding back civics. (Curriculum update: the latest developments in math, science, language arts and social studies).3:1 That's the ratio of civics-related courses most students took in the 1960s compared to now. It's no wonder that Americans under age 25 are less likely to vote than both older Americans today and young people of the past. The pressures of high-stakes testing A high-stakes test is an assessment which has important consequences for the test taker. If the examinee passes the test, then the examinee may receive significant benefits, such as a high school diploma or a license to practice law. and fallout from budget cuts in civics-related extracurricular programs are two factors working against educators in promoting civic engagement, according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. The Civic Mission of Schools, a new report from Carnegie Corporation of New York Carnegie Corporation of New York, foundation established (1911) to administer Andrew Carnegie's remaining personal fortune for philanthropic purposes. Initially endowed with $125 million, the foundation received another $10 million from the residual estate. and The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Engagement. Another obstacle is the fear of criticism and litigation An action brought in court to enforce a particular right. The act or process of bringing a lawsuit in and of itself; a judicial contest; any dispute. When a person begins a civil lawsuit, the person enters into a process called litigation. that might result when teachers address controversial or political topics. Compared to testing and budget issues, this factor is a challenge that administrators have a bit more control over. To help squelch squelch v. squelched, squelch·ing, squelch·es v.tr. 1. To crush by or as if by trampling; squash. 2. those fears, administrators can: * Allow and encourage educators to discuss complex and/or current events and issues in the classroom. Work with teachers to develop general parameters within which these discussions can take place. * Educate parents and community members about the important role of current events in helping students become educated and engaged citizens. * Experiment with civics civics, branch of learning that treats of the relationship between citizens and their society and state, originally called civil government. With the large immigration into the United States in the latter half of the 19th cent. curricula that fits the community and its students. Strategies should build on or enhance already established curricula, programs and activities; involve partnerships with afterschool af·ter·school adj. often after-school 1. Taking place immediately following school classes: afterschool activities. 2. programs and local organizations; and emphasize the role each citizen plays in public affairs Those public information, command information, and community relations activities directed toward both the external and internal publics with interest in the Department of Defense. Also called PA. See also command information; community relations; public information. during a lifetime. * Enact policies that reflect constitutional principles. When schools protect religious liberty and encourage freedom of expression by students, faculty and staff, they uphold freedom and democracy. * Provide leadership development and recognition for building and district administrators willing to support a system-wide commitment to civic education. The report also recommends working with the state to discuss civics as a freestanding course at several grade levels, and establishing civic education curricula based on promising, research-based approaches (see box). Suggestions for incorporating civics into reading, math and science programs are included in the report, as well. www.civicmissionof schools.org Civic Ed Rules for Schools PROVIDE instruction in government, history, law and democracy. Avoid teaching only rote rote 1 n. 1. A memorizing process using routine or repetition, often without full attention or comprehension: learn by rote. 2. Mechanical routine. facts about dry procedures. INCORPORATE discussion of current local, national and international issues and events into the classroom, particularly those that young people view as important to their lives. DESIGN and implement programs that allow students to apply what they learn through community service activities linked to the formal curriculum. OFFER extracurricular activities (and value participation in them) to help all students get involved in their schools or communities. ENCOURAGE student participation in school governance. The chance for students to participate in managing their own classrooms and schools builds civic skills and attitudes. ENCOURAGE participation in student simulations of democratic processes and procedures, such as voting, trials, legislative deliberation and diplomacy. SOURCE: The Civic Mission of Schools, Carnegie Corporation of New York, 2003 |
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