Promoting civic engagement in schools
In light of Constitution Day, and in the wake of the city's recent record-low voter turnout this week, I thought I'd share an effort that seeks to promote civic engagement in schools.
Today, former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor championed an effort undertaken by the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, a coalition of 40 organizations committed policies that would improve civic learning in grades K-12.
The organization released a full report with analysis and policy recommendations for civic engagement in schools. O'Connor also wrote an interesting op-ed in the Philadelphia Inquirer about what she called "America's civic education deficit"
In the group's policy report, they build their case on a jarring national trend: "On a recent national assessment in civics, two-thirds of all American students scored below proficient. On the same test, less than one-third of eighth graders could identify the historical purpose of the Declaration of Independence, and fewer than one in five high school seniors were able to explain how citizen participation benefits democracy."
In the city, we marked a critical mayoral election this week that marked the lowest turnout numbers to date. I have always been interested in the debate about whether civic engagement is something you learn at home, or are taught in school. Either way, it's apparent that we need to do a better job of both.
Baltimoresun.com's 
Comments
@ BS Paper Ask Not What Can Your City Do For You, Ask What You Can Do For Your City
"In Baltimore City, we marked a critical mayoral/council election this week that marked the lowest turnout numbers to date."
Civic engagement teaching from homes and in City Schools K-12 gets a (D) grade. At City Schools James E. Mosher ES fifth grade level classroom teachers home work assignment this month came from a photocopy page teacher resource content book. Referenced campaign slogan examples, “I Like IKE" and "All the Way LBJ" for parents to relate to 5th grade students how to promote name recognition during an election. Both election slogans are very time out dated to be used in the 21st century.
Posted by: Interested and Engaged Parent City Schools | September 17, 2011 10:25 AM
Just about anything can be taught in school, but unless it's supported and practiced at home, the learning is usually for naught. It also helps to live in a society that values active participation in democracy.
Posted by: Christine | September 17, 2011 9:13 PM
This should come as no surprise to anyone. Social Studies (civics) has not been taught in most elementary schools for many years. I applaud the teacher for at least trying to teach something even if the information is dated. At least he/she was using something that resembled primary sources. As long as principals are being held accountable for reading, math and science achievement only, nothing else will be taught. Ergo, an uninformed easily manipulated populace.
Posted by: ahamilton | September 20, 2011 5:48 AM
@ BS Paper Ask Not What Can Your City Do For You, Ask What You Can Do For Your City
" The (At least) he/she used something comment is not acceptable no way-no how." In City Schools K-12 weak Family Councils allow the classroom teachers and administrators to allow out dated text books/core course content models to be used in City Schools.
"When you know better, you do better."
Posted by: Interested and Engaged Parent City Schools | September 20, 2011 12:58 PM
You completely missed the point and apparently don't know what is relevant to a good civics (social studies) lesson. The point is - social studies is not being taught in most elementary schools in Baltimore City. This has been going on for many years. Of course we will continue to have apathetic, unengaged and uninformed citizens because today's (and yesterday's) students are not being taught the content of government as well as the process of what it takes to be a participatory citizen. That is what you should be concerned about. As for the methods and materials this teacher used - old campaign buttons/slogans are very appropriate as primary sources. It brings the historical component to the lesson. Maybe the teacher did use more updated materials from the last election in the lesson, we don't know that. It is very sad that as an "interested, engaged" parent you can only find fault with that aspect of the artticle rather than the bigger, more onimous ramifications of a dangerous administrative policy.
Posted by: ahamilton | October 6, 2011 5:54 AM