Civic Engagement, Civics and Teaching - Social Studies Network

Strengthening Civic Education: The Role of High-Quality Curriculum and Teaching Strategies

TCI

NOVEMBER 12, 2024

Civic education is the cornerstone of a functioning democracy, yet recent evaluations reveal significant gaps in how it is taught across the nation. High-quality civics and U.S. history instruction is essential for developing informed, engaged citizens who can navigate the complexities of modern society.

Civics

Civics Teaching Civic Engagement Social Studies

STUDENT VOICE: My generation knows less about civics than my parents’ generation did, yet we need it more than ever

The Hechinger Report

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

That’s why I’m convinced that we as a nation have to prioritize civics education in schools to encourage civic engagement, empathy and critical thinking to sustain our constitutional democracy. Unlike the majority of my peers, I am receiving a robust civics education, but it is largely outside of school.

Civics

Civics Civic Engagement Museum Government

Teaching ‘action civics’ engages kids — and ignites controversy

The Hechinger Report

AUGUST 1, 2021

Peyton’s testimony is an example of “action civics,” a growing, if controversial, trend in American education of which Massachusetts is the undisputed leader. They liken it to a laboratory in science class, where students learn civics by doing civics. Credit: Christopher Blanchette.

Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement Civics Teaching Middle School

Using Prediction Markets as a Tool for Classroom and Civic Engagement

Political Science Now

JANUARY 9, 2025

Using Prediction Markets as a Tool for Classroom and Civic Engagement By Zachary A. election heats up, how can we get students engaged with this critical time in American politics? The post Using Prediction Markets as a Tool for Classroom and Civic Engagement appeared first on. Lawrence University As another U.S.

Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement Civics Political Science Teaching

Teaching Voting in the Social Studies Classroom

Passion for Social Studies

SEPTEMBER 14, 2024

So, it is crucial to teach students about the voting process and its importance to our democracy. When teaching voting in the social studies classroom, students need to be civically engaged to understand how voting is essential to our democracy. There is a lot to include when teaching about the election!

Social Studies

Social Studies Teaching Lesson Plan Civic Engagement

Forget civics class: Students want to make a difference in real life

The Hechinger Report

OCTOBER 29, 2020

Some school districts, local governments and nonprofit groups across the country have galvanized this youth activism by giving students opportunities to participate in leadership roles and democracy in ways that go beyond civics classes and student government. Related: Making America whole again via civics education.

Civics

Civics Civic Engagement High School Government

The Future of Democracy Depends on a Quality Civics Education

ED Surge

OCTOBER 11, 2023

Fortunately, in light of democracy’s fragility, there has been a steady increase in initiatives from federal and state governments to incorporate civics education in K-12 classrooms. In 2020, California adopted a State Seal of Civic Engagement that high school students can earn upon graduation.

Civics

Civics Education Civic Engagement K-12

Call for Proposals: Connecting Community and Classroom: Practical Considerations for Civically-Engaged Practitioners and Scholars | Deadline: August 18th

Political Science Now

JULY 29, 2024

The workshop aims to provide a space where scholars and practitioners with a commitment to civic engagement can collaborate, build supportive relationships, and share practical guidance for leading community-engaged projects. The workshop will culminate with NCAPSA’s brief annual business meeting and a celebratory reception.

Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement Civics Political Science Community Engagement

COLUMN: Should schools teach climate activism?

The Hechinger Report

MARCH 12, 2024

Yancy Sanes teaches a unit on the climate crisis at Fannie Lou Hamer High School in the Bronx – not climate change, but the climatecrisis. I teach from a mindset and lens that I want to make sure my students are becoming activists, and it’s not enough just talking about it,” the science and math teacher said. “

Teaching

Teaching Civics K-12 Civic Engagement

Service-Learning Can Be the Bridge to Social Emotional Learning. Educators Should Embrace It.

ED Surge

SEPTEMBER 6, 2022

In 2020, California’s State Board of Education adopted criteria and guidance to award a State Seal of Civic Engagement to students who demonstrate excellence in civics education. In my 20 years as an educator, I have seen firsthand how service-learning engages students as they become leaders in their communities.

Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement Civics K-12 Education

Member Spotlight: Samantha Chapa, University of Houston

Political Science Now

MARCH 19, 2025

Samantha’s dissertation focuses on the impacts of urban immigrant inclusion policies on the participation and civic engagement of immigrant and minoritized communities. The nonprofit also has a civic engagement team, which focuses on turning low-propensity voters out to the polls.

Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement Civics Political Science Advocacy

How Digital Credentials Can Elevate Existing Programs

ED Surge

NOVEMBER 22, 2024

The experiences focus on global and cultural competencies, health and wellness, leadership, research, creative and scholarly activities, and service learning and civic engagement.

Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement EdTech Civics Leadership

Workshop: Connecting Community and Classroom: Practical Considerations for Civically-Engaged Practitioners and Scholars

Political Science Now

SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

Join political scientists and practitioners for a single-day workshop, Connecting Community and Classroom: Practical Considerations for Civically-Engaged Practitioners and Scholars , on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at APSA’s headquarters in Washington, DC.

Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement Civics Political Science Community Engagement

Boost Student Achievement with High-Quality Instructional Materials on Social Studies

TCI

JANUARY 14, 2025

Youll also learn about HQIMs impact on academic performance and civic readiness, along with strategies for effective implementation. Research by the Collaborative for Student Success (2021) also highlighted that students using HQIM demonstrate increased civic engagement and awareness.

Social Studies

Social Studies Civics Civic Engagement Critical Thinking

Webinar Series: Teaching the 2024 U.S. Election

Political Science Now

JULY 11, 2024

Event: Teaching the 2024 U.S. King, Old Dominion University Juan Carlos Huerta, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (Moderator) Michelle Allendoerfer, American Political Science Association Please direct all questions to teaching@apsanet.org. Engaging the 2024 U.S. APSA’s Engaging the 2024 U.S.

Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement Teaching Civics Political Science

Call for Proposals: Connecting Community and Classroom: Practical Considerations for Civically-Engaged Practitioners and Scholars

APSA Educate

JULY 19, 2024

Application Deadline: August 18, 2024 The American Political Science Association (APSA) and The National Capital Area Political Science Association (NCAPSA) are pleased to announce a call for proposals for political scientists and practitioners to participate in a single-day workshop on … The post Call for Proposals: Connecting Community and (..)

Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement Civics Political Science Teaching

OPINION: Educators must be on the frontline of social activism

The Hechinger Report

SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

Politicians around the country have been aiming to demolish progressive policies by targeting teaching about race and ethnicity, the LGBTQIA+ community and women’s reproductive rights. I taught my students to respect the power of civic engagement and social activism. Teaching is inherently activist. It must be resisted.

Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement Education Civics K-12

Teaching the Truth about George Floyd — and Our History

ED Surge

JUNE 17, 2022

We do this first by equipping our educators with the resources they need to effectively teach our students our hardest historical lessons, including George Floyd’s death and the history that envelops it. Teaching the Truth A lesson centered on the historical events that preceded George Floyd’s murder should be widely taught.

History

History Teaching Civics Civic Engagement

Make an Impact during Civic Learning Week | March 11–15, 2024

Political Science Now

MARCH 6, 2024

Join students, educators, policymakers, and leaders in the public and private sectors, during Civic Learning Week , March 11–15, 2024, to highlight and further energize the movement for civic education in states and communities across the nation. Who Can Participate in Civic Learning Week?

Civics

Civics Civic Engagement Government Teaching

Implementing the Inquiry Design Model for Social Studies in a New Jersey Public School: A Journey of Growth and Discovery

C3 Teachers

MARCH 14, 2025

The Impact: Student and Teacher Growth By embedding IDM into our districts Social Studies framework, we cultivated a culture of inquiry that benefited both students and teachers: – Students became active participants in their learning, developing skills in critical thinking, analysis, and civic engagement.

Social Studies

Social Studies Public School Primary Sources Civic Engagement

Your Free Guide to Teaching During an Election

Heinemann Blog

FEBRUARY 21, 2024

With another historic election on the horizon, authors of The Civically Engaged Classroom offer a free guide for navigating teaching during this time.

Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement Teaching Civics

This Is Your Brain on Math: The Science Behind Culturally Responsive Instruction

ED Surge

NOVEMBER 17, 2023

They offer an invitation to analyze how mathematics can be applied to promote civic engagement, advocacy, policy change and increased access to resources.

Cultures

Cultures Civic Engagement Civics Pedagogy

Study explores use of digital tools in out-of-school programs

The Hechinger Report

DECEMBER 12, 2018

She said out-of-school programs are freer to design learning experiences that are more engaging to students, because they don’t have the same pressure to teach certain academic standards. This finding wasn’t particularly surprising to Sana Jafri, a program officer at the Chicago Learning Exchange.

Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement Civics Teaching Research

De Gruyter and American Political Science Association (APSA) Sign Partnership Agreement

Political Science Now

FEBRUARY 13, 2024

. — FEBRUARY 13, 2024 De Gruyter and the American Political Science Association (APSA) are pleased to announce agreement on a cooperation partnership to publish two new book series: The De Gruyter-APSA Teaching Civic Engagement Series and The De Gruyter-APSA Political Science Professional Development Series.

Political Science

Political Science Civic Engagement Civics Professional Development

To Address Climate Anxiety, Consider How Students Get Their News on the Issue

ED Surge

SEPTEMBER 18, 2024

Class discussions about climate change news can help students see connections between their news practices and their academic work, while showing that familiarity with news is a social practice and a form of civic engagement. There is still much work to be done to help students translate climate anxiety into shared action.

Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement Civics Library Social Science

OPINION: The devastating consequences of leaving higher education out of prison reform

The Hechinger Report

JULY 22, 2020

Related: The next frontier for college programs for prisoners and ex-prisoners: Teaching them entrepreneurship. Providing justice-involved people with second chances and the tools to examine their own lives and mistakes has incalculable outcomes on civic engagement both within and beyond prison. justice system.

Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement Education Civics Economics

Defend the Freedom to Learn in Georgia: Back-to-School Read-Aloud

Zinn Education Project

FEBRUARY 20, 2024

In the face of Georgia’s HB 1084 Protect Students First Act, often referred to as the “divisive concepts” act, many teachers are being told to avoid teaching about race, gender, class, climate change, and other topics. Includes guidance for adults on why and how to have those conversations.

Museum

Museum Civic Engagement Civics History

Fun and Engaging Activities for the First Day of Civics Class

Let's Cultivate Greatness

JULY 16, 2024

I might tweak my “Welcome to Civics class” activities a little year to year, but here are my tried-and-true favorite ones to do to establish a great foundation. Citizenship Test Questions The US Naturalization Test is a no-brainer way to assess both students’ incoming civics knowledge and their growth over your course.

Civics

Civics Government High School Civic Engagement

Helping even middle-of-the-pack students see themselves as leaders

The Hechinger Report

JULY 11, 2018

The February 14 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, gave new life to student activism, prompting a level of civic engagement among students that many had never considered. The program then builds on these strengths. Related: Student Voice: ‘The youth movement extends beyond gun violence’.

Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement Civics Leadership Elementary School

Personalized learning and Common Core: Mortal enemies?

The Hechinger Report

JANUARY 9, 2017

There’s a good argument to be made for a standard curriculum, though, especially if your goal is a civic citizenship, and children being able to get a job when they finish: If you want everyone to have basic numeracy and civic engagement.”. Most personalized learning advocates wouldn’t disagree.

Psychology

Psychology Civics Civic Engagement Middle School

What happens when students are given a say in school budgets?

The Hechinger Report

APRIL 12, 2019

The process, known as participatory budgeting, was meant to ignite student interest in democracy and civic engagement. Mayor Bill de Blasio unveiled the proposal in his 2018 State of the City address, as part of a broader push for civics education. “We For weeks, the momentum favored the greenhouse project.

Civics

Civics Civic Engagement High School Economics

Making positive educational moves during the pandemic

The Hechinger Report

OCTOBER 14, 2020

So Joffe created eLearn.fyi , a database of more than 300 online learning tools, including a civics curriculum founded by former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and engineering lessons on how to build a robotic arm. “I realized that there was an opportunity sitting right in front of me,” she said. – DELECE SMITH-BARROW.

Education

Education Civics Civic Engagement Psychology

Make the Citizenship Test the Best Part of Your Civics Class

Let's Cultivate Greatness

AUGUST 24, 2023

During the 2010s, one specific group, the Civics Education Initiative, made it their goal to have all 50 states make passing some form of the US Naturalization Test (the official name of the test) a high school graduation requirement. The Citizenship Test is the axis my Civics class rotates around. Now over a dozen do.

Civics

Civics Government Geography Project-Based Learning

Announcements (Summer/Fall 2024)

APSA Educate

JUNE 7, 2024

Political Science Educator: volume 28, issue 1 Member Announcements Lauren Bell, Allison Rank, and Carah Ong Whaley will publish an edited volume in July 2024, Civic Pedagogies: Teaching Civic Engagement in an era of Divisive Politics with Palgrave Macmillan.

Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement Political Science Civics Pedagogy

Waiting for the traveling teacher: Remote rural schools need more hands-on help

The Hechinger Report

SEPTEMBER 21, 2022

Why don’t people who live there, teach there? And of the positions that were filled, many were staffed by people who do not have traditional training or are not considered qualified to work in the subject area they are teaching. It’s hard to convince outsiders to come teach in places like Campo. The pay is low.

World History

World History Civic Engagement High School Elementary School

APSA’s Summer Rise High School Intern Program: Meet the Cohort

Political Science Now

OCTOBER 1, 2024

The students helped research and re-fresh APSA Educate’s Teaching the Russia-Ukriance War Resource Collection. They also talked to APSA Educate about their passion for civic education, social justice, scholarly analysis, and interest in studying political science at the undergraduate level.

High School

High School Civic Engagement Civics Social Justice

Building Relationships: Connecting and Reconnecting with Cultural Centers

C3 Teachers

MARCH 30, 2022

Many cultural centers curate history, geography, and civic exhibits that connect the past with the present. maps, household objects, and the like) that can make lessons more engaging and impactful. In addition, the civic summit afforded me professional learning and the opportunity to collaborate with UGRR educational specialists.

Cultures

Cultures Heritage Civic Engagement Civics

Civil Conversation Protects Our Civil Rights

Teaching American History

DECEMBER 5, 2023

Young citizens need civics education to understand their constitutionally guaranteed rights. The best civics teachers also help students learn the skills they need to protect their rights. They teach self-government as a cooperative activity. Civic engagement involves more than just showing up to vote.

Civics

Civics Civic Engagement American History Government

How to Start a School Design Project

Digital Promise

AUGUST 5, 2019

Wilson co-leads a summer institute called Learning Environments for Tomorrow (LEFT) at the Harvard Graduate School of Education — bringing together researchers, architects, designers, and educators to explore how learning spaces can support various goals, such as playfulness, collaboration, and civic engagement.

Pedagogy

Pedagogy Civic Engagement Civics Economics

Rebuilding the Transatlantic exchange on Learning & Teaching: The Active Learning in Political Science (ALPS) Blog Receives the 2024 APSA-PSA International Partnerships Award

Political Science Now

AUGUST 23, 2024

The APSA-PSA International Partnerships Award, jointly supported by the Political Studies Association of the UK and APSA , honors political scientists engaged in collaborative and productive cross-national partnerships that make a significant contribution to the discipline in the areas of teaching, research, or civic engagement.

Political Science

Political Science Pedagogy Teaching Civic Engagement

Creating Impact and Art Through Partnerships

Digital Promise

SEPTEMBER 20, 2018

Education Innovation Clusters (EdClusters) are local communities of practice that bring together educators, entrepreneurs, funders, researchers, and other community stakeholders (including families, local government, and nonprofits) to support innovative teaching and learning in their region.

Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement Heritage Charter School Civics

Webinar Series: Engaging the 2024 U.S. Election: An Expert Roundtable

Political Science Now

JUNE 3, 2024

Dr. Julia Azari ’s research and teaching interests include the American presidency, American political parties, political communication, and American political development. Dr. Michelle Allendoerfer has led the American Political Science Association’s Teaching and Professional Development Programs for the past three years.

Political Science

Political Science Civics Psychology Leadership

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

Doing Social Studies

APRIL 13, 2020

What I found during my research to create the lesson drove home the whole purpose of why we teach history and why I teach history the way I do. But the development of the Coronavirus required the creation of a whole new “case study.”

Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan Charter School History Library

OPINION: We did not need the Nation’s ‘Report Card’ to tell us we must invest in civic education

The Hechinger Report

MAY 3, 2023

Many educators probably weren’t surprised by today’s announcement of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) test results for civics and history. In past years, the scores for civics have been flat, which is hardly encouraging. At the end of 2022, Congress grew the federal allocation for civic education from $7.75

Civics

Civics Primary Sources Civic Engagement K-12

Strengthening Civic Education: The Role of High-Quality Curriculum and Teaching Strategies

STUDENT VOICE: My generation knows less about civics than my parents’ generation did, yet we need it more than ever

Trending Sources

Teaching ‘action civics’ engages kids — and ignites controversy

Using Prediction Markets as a Tool for Classroom and Civic Engagement

Teaching Voting in the Social Studies Classroom

Forget civics class: Students want to make a difference in real life

The Future of Democracy Depends on a Quality Civics Education

Call for Proposals: Connecting Community and Classroom: Practical Considerations for Civically-Engaged Practitioners and Scholars | Deadline: August 18th

COLUMN: Should schools teach climate activism?

Service-Learning Can Be the Bridge to Social Emotional Learning. Educators Should Embrace It.

Member Spotlight: Samantha Chapa, University of Houston

How Digital Credentials Can Elevate Existing Programs

Workshop: Connecting Community and Classroom: Practical Considerations for Civically-Engaged Practitioners and Scholars

Boost Student Achievement with High-Quality Instructional Materials on Social Studies

Webinar Series: Teaching the 2024 U.S. Election

Call for Proposals: Connecting Community and Classroom: Practical Considerations for Civically-Engaged Practitioners and Scholars

OPINION: Educators must be on the frontline of social activism

Teaching the Truth about George Floyd — and Our History

Make an Impact during Civic Learning Week | March 11–15, 2024

Implementing the Inquiry Design Model for Social Studies in a New Jersey Public School: A Journey of Growth and Discovery

Your Free Guide to Teaching During an Election

This Is Your Brain on Math: The Science Behind Culturally Responsive Instruction

Study explores use of digital tools in out-of-school programs

De Gruyter and American Political Science Association (APSA) Sign Partnership Agreement

To Address Climate Anxiety, Consider How Students Get Their News on the Issue

OPINION: The devastating consequences of leaving higher education out of prison reform

Defend the Freedom to Learn in Georgia: Back-to-School Read-Aloud

Fun and Engaging Activities for the First Day of Civics Class

Helping even middle-of-the-pack students see themselves as leaders

Personalized learning and Common Core: Mortal enemies?

What happens when students are given a say in school budgets?

Making positive educational moves during the pandemic

Make the Citizenship Test the Best Part of Your Civics Class

Announcements (Summer/Fall 2024)

Waiting for the traveling teacher: Remote rural schools need more hands-on help

APSA’s Summer Rise High School Intern Program: Meet the Cohort

Building Relationships: Connecting and Reconnecting with Cultural Centers

Civil Conversation Protects Our Civil Rights

How to Start a School Design Project

Rebuilding the Transatlantic exchange on Learning & Teaching: The Active Learning in Political Science (ALPS) Blog Receives the 2024 APSA-PSA International Partnerships Award

Creating Impact and Art Through Partnerships

Webinar Series: Engaging the 2024 U.S. Election: An Expert Roundtable

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

OPINION: We did not need the Nation’s ‘Report Card’ to tell us we must invest in civic education

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