With just three weeks left before a fiercely contested U.S. election, it is crucial that the voices of students are heard, even those who are not yet eligible to vote. However, many students lack the necessary knowledge about civic issues to form informed opinions.
This lack of knowledge is in part due to the decline in civics education in schools, a problem that has been ongoing for years. Many teachers are hesitant to teach these topics in today’s polarized climate, and school principals fear that discussing civics will only lead to further division.
Some alarming statistics highlight the extent of the issue:
• Only 49 percent of students who took the most recent NAEP exam reported having a class focused on civics or the U.S. government;
• Only 29 percent had a teacher whose primary responsibility was teaching civics;
• More than 70 percent of Americans failed a basic civic literacy quiz, with 1 in 3 unable to name or explain the roles of the three branches of government.
Furthermore, most Americans could only name one right guaranteed by the First Amendment, and overall civic knowledge has not improved since 1998.
Despite these challenges, teaching civics has never been a priority in our schools. Louise Dubé, executive director of iCivics, a nonpartisan organization founded by former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, emphasized the need for a renewed focus on civic education, particularly in the lead-up to an election.
She stated, “Teaching the election should be the Super Bowl of this re-engagement, as all eyes are on our single most important democratic process. The K-12 education system reflects what our society values, and unfortunately, citizenship is low on the list.”
In the age of social media, there is an even greater cause for concern as young people across the political spectrum share a distrust of traditional media. A recent study by the Pew Research Center found that half of 18- to 29-year-olds trust the information they receive from social media, and 4 out of 10 young adults get their news from platforms like TikTok.
Efforts to improve civic education are underway, with organizations like iCivics creating educational games and videos that reach millions of students each year. However, more needs to be done to ensure that students are informed and engaged in civic issues.
One promising initiative is the four-part series “Citizen Nation” by Retro Report, which follows teenagers from across the country as they participate in the We the People civics competition. These students, from diverse backgrounds and regions, demonstrate a deep commitment to understanding our constitution and engaging in meaningful civic discourse.
Teachers like David Kendrick and Erin Lindt are also playing a crucial role in educating students about their rights and responsibilities as citizens. Despite the challenges, there is optimism that the next generation will be better equipped to participate in civic life.
As we look to the future, it is essential that we continue to prioritize civics education and empower students to become active and informed members of society. By investing in civic education, we are investing in the future of our democracy.