In “Make Civics Learning Bigger Part of Public Education,” an editorial written in the Herald Dispatch, the nation’s education system is criticized for a decline in civics classes in public schools, and the problem of student’s limited knowledge of the democratic process is solved by the Albion Central School District in upstate New York, a school that plans to integrate civic learning in many aspects of school and community life. The author expresses his disapproval of education and suggests ways to make civics learning a bigger part of public schools. He criticizes student’s inadequate awareness of current events and controversial issues, and praises a public school system that creates a comprehensive program to teach students about government, history, law, economics and democracy. The author addresses an educated audience, especially administrators who have the ability to change the role of civics in schools, by showing genuine concern for future generations and our nation, in hopes of developing a new approach to teaching civics classes in public schools.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Katherine Blessis/ A Decline In Civics Classes Creates Concern For Nation's Future
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I agree with the author that schools can do more to increase student's interest and knowledge of politics. The editorial says, 'Only a third of Americans today can name the three branches of government; a third cannot name any," (Herald Dispatch). The only way our nation can solve the big issues of the world today is with knowledge of government, history, economics, law and democracy. Schools should focus on discussing current events and controversial issues, and include civics in every curriculum. The Albion Central School District should be a model for other public schools systems because it provides courses on civics and government, but also integrates civic learning, that will be very useful for the nation's future, in school and community life.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is very important to teach students about government, especially at the high school level because they are nearing the age when they will be legal to vote. Thomas Jefferson once said that "a democracy cannot be both ignorant and free" so to preserve the rights and privileged that we enjoy now, we must be informed on the workings of our country starting by utilizing our time in school to prepare us to be functioning members of our democracy.
ReplyDelete