There is an urgent need to make civics education available in schools to protect and strengthen our republic and its democratic form of government.
Civic learning and engagement should be a priority not only in Missouri but nationally.
This week is Civic Learning Week to highlight the importance of all citizens having the understanding and tools they need to participate and participate in democratic forms of government.
Given the current state of our discordant political environment and the destructive discourse that usurps our public dialogue, civic learning is needed now more than ever.
Events and forums covering a variety of civic learning topics are held in communities across the country.
Topics include how civics can be effectively taught in high schools, helping students understand how government works, providing a forum for a deeper understanding of the Constitution, and protecting our democratic republic. and the important role that government departments play in promoting
Do you know what civic learning activities are happening in your state or community?
The Missouri Civic Learning Coalition is one of many coalitions across the country formed specifically to promote and support high-quality civic learning opportunities. The coalition government is bipartisan. Members include educators, research institutions, universities, nonprofits, libraries and museums, youth, schools, and citizen advocates (full disclosure, I am a member of the coalition).
In addition to helping Missourians understand the meaning and importance of civics, the coalition provides support and resources to schools and teachers. We work with local and state policymakers to help them understand the benefits of civics education for students and educators.
The coalition also strongly believes in the importance of public engagement and will use its resources to educate all stakeholders, including families and guardians, about the importance of prioritizing civics education in Missouri schools. I am trying to do so.
Recently, the Missouri House Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education held a hearing on HB Bill 1513, “Media Literacy and Critical Thinking.” Members of the coalition appeared before the committee and provided written testimony in support of the bill's passage.
A companion bill, SB1311, has also been introduced in the Senate.
Senate Select Committee on Strengthening the Powers of the Missouri Board of Parents and Children.
As we continue to be engulfed in division and polarization, the lack of civics education in American schools and access to quality information has left millions of Americans wondering how their government is doing. They are left with no means of knowing how to function.
Citizens are therefore vulnerable to misinformation and disinformation and may be unable to make decisions that are in the best interest of themselves, their city, state, or nation.
How can we expect our democracy to remain healthy or even survive, let alone thrive?
It is clear that the well-being of our democratic republic depends on an informed and engaged public.
Unfortunately, few American adults can name the three branches of government and how they provide checks and balances in public policy decisions and law enforcement. Less than half of the people can explain it.
Too many of us rely on news broadcasts, podcasts, and radio and TV talk shows to gain knowledge, but even if they are accurate, they only capture a fraction of what we really need to understand. It just provides.
The number of Americans who understand the facts and rights contained in the U.S. Constitution is equally dire.
There is a bill currently moving through the Missouri General Assembly that, if passed, would change the way the Missouri Constitution is amended.
Are you familiar with and understand the contents of the Missouri Constitution?
Equally important, we need to be concerned about the level and quality of civics education we are providing our children. Are we preparing them to understand government and how it should work? If not, for something they have limited or no knowledge of. How can we expect them to stand up and fight?
How can we expect them to be passionate and effective participants in building a more perfect union?
Currently, our principles, laws, government institutions and institutions are vulnerable to being ignored and undermined by the illiteracy of our citizens.
Illiteracy among citizens has led to widespread mistrust.
Trust in our governments and institutions is at an all-time low. But how can you build trust without understanding the laws and institutions?
Without the precise standards that a solid civics education provides, how can we expect citizens to distinguish between patriotism and rebellion, civility and extremism?
It is up to us to stop the threat of civic ignorance and the danger it poses to democracy.
Eliminating threats starts with us, and we must equip our children with the tools they need to keep threats at bay.
We begin the process of improving and strengthening our own citizenship by exploring and taking advantage of the many programs and resources offered during Civic Learning Week, March 11-15 can do.
And continue the learning process long after that.
If you are unable to attend a program or event in your community in person, many of our programs and resources can be accessed online.
All we need to do is listen to the political debates going on in this country at any given time, and if we hope to develop pride, faith, and a desire to do something, we need a continuation of good old-fashioned civics education. We must know that resurrection is desperately needed. It is necessary to save and preserve our democratic republic.
Where does getting a good and accurate civics education rank on your list of priorities?
Are you ready to bring back civics education?
