Lessons in Civics

The Hechinger Report and Retro Report partnered to produce work about how students are participating in civic life and how they are being taught the significance of that activity.

​COLUMN: Students want more civics education, but far too few schools teach it

Fear of controversy has fueled huge gaps in what students are taught, threatening the future of our democracy

OPINION: We can and must start early and teach students to become active citizens

OPINION: Rethinking civics education starts with inviting teens to co-create

What young Democrats have to say about higher education

What young Republicans have to say about higher education

COLUMN: Biden wants to save the climate by deploying young people. He’s not there yet

Teaching social studies in a polarized world

Beyond the Rankings: The College Welcome Guide

How do we teach Black history in polarized times? Here’s what it looks like in 3 cities

Michael Wang became a poster child for protesting affirmative action. Now he says he never meant for it to be abolished

Teaching ‘action civics’ engages kids — and ignites controversy

Can patriotism and criticism coexist in social studies?

Should teachers be apolitical?

Can we teach our way out of political polarization?

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

OPINION: Here’s an old-fashioned, win-win idea to get students engaged before this fall’s election

Give them subscriptions to their local newspapers so they can read them on their phones

OPINION: Schools can and should address our country’s mounting moral quandaries

Instead of teaching the Ten Commandments, let’s focus on responsibilities to our planet, peace and the poor

STUDENT VOICE: School boards are a critical piece of democracy. That’s why students must be on them

In discussions about banning our books and limiting our rights, our voices must be heard

OPINION: More states should require teaching kids how to read the news and spot what’s true and what’s not

Teens are glued to their screens and need media literacy to sort through the deluge

OPINION: Why university leaders must resist dangerous calls to silence student speech

Throughout history, people in power have attempted to silence students when they say something unpopular or offensive.

TEACHER VOICE: White teachers need more skills and specific training to handle tough questions about race

We do students a disservice if we can’t truly support them and navigate honest conversations about skin color

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

Scores have been lackluster for years due to a dearth of dedicated civics instruction, but more money can make a difference

OPINION: Our education system is not setting up students for success

Too many students lack basic knowledge of U.S. history and how our country works

TEACHER VOICE: The United States is not a democracy. Stop telling students that it is

“Students are commanded to vote, but not to judge the fundamental questions of governance not on the ballot — like the legitimacy of the Electoral College”

OPINION: A better democracy starts in our schools

The close election reveals a need to re-imagine schools and teach kids to become involved in the political process

OPINION: Our schools must figure out a way to teach this presidential election

Fear of dividing and triggering students should not limit their education at a teachable moment

STUDENT VOICE: Will we be heard if the census count isn’t complete?

Getting youth the resources they need — by ensuring everyone is counted

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