#sschat is a network of educators, resources, and ideas that started on Twitter, but has expanded to Facebook, an annual NCSS unconference, and more. Join us to chat asynchronously on Twitter or Facebook, or chat with us live on Mondays from 7-8pm EST.
Welcome to #sschat. Tonight's topic is civic engagement. I'm your guest moderator alongside @NHTOYMc. Please us A1, A2, etc. and the #sschat for each answer. Here we go with some intros!
Intro: Emma here from @icivics. This is how I feel about teaching social studies, and it's generally how I respond to anything I really like #tacos#sschat
I'll get the party started, I teach 8th gr. Civics in Pennsylvania, my GIF is where I want to be as a teacher - a wise old teacher sought to make Jedi masters of learning. #sschat
Hi, everyone! Mary-Owen, 7th grade World History T in #growMaury in Tennessee. One of the #sschat crew and currently can't handle the idea of it being in the teens tomorrow morning. #ImCold#ElectricBlanket
To a great American, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We took this photo from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, facing the Washington Monument. The spot where MLK delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech on August 28, 1963. #MLK#45DaysOfPresidents#sschat#APUSH
A1: I think of VIRTUE first: Civically engaged means being an empathetic listener; being accepting of different opinions; being honest, humble and curious #sschat
OAV is centered on four core principles:
Citizenship is a way of lifeWith our rights and freedoms come responsibilitiesThe success of the individual and the community are mutually dependentThe informed participation of We the People shapes and sustains our democracy #sschat
A1: To understand local, national and international events by constantly seeking out varied opinions to eventually form your own judgement based on your values and understandings #sschat
A1: It means to know what your government on all levels is doing, and taking action on issues that you feel strongly about. Exercising your right to speak to the government that you elected and are paying for! #sschat
A1. To me being civically engaged means doing something related to history, law, government, economics, and/or politics. It can be anything. Just do something related to these areas of learning and presto - civic engagement. #sschat
A1: staying informed, voting, contacting senators and reps., respectfully discussing differences with people who you disagree with and trying to find common ground. #sschat
A1: civically engaged is knowing what is happening in your community and how that affects those around you. Then wanting to make a difference for the better. When students see this at a community level, they can move broader I.e nation/global #sschat
A1 participate in your community. Talk about issues that effect you and your community, identify root causes, research solutions and take action. #sschat
A1: Being civically engaged, in my humble opinion, is knowing and practicing your rights and liberties responsibly. It's also the promotion of those. #sschat
A1: OAV 4 core principles:
1. Citizenship is a way of life
2. With our rights and freedoms come responsibilities
3. The success of the individual and the community are mutually dependent
4. The informed participation of We the People shapes and sustains our democracy
#sschat
A1. Such a poignant question for #MLKDay
"Civically engaged" means caring about your community and taking action to move your community forward in a positive direction. It means paying attention and caring about others quality of life... #sschat
A1 "civically aware" means having knowledge of one's role as a citizen ... "civically engaged" means acting consciously and thoughtfully in that role: to impact society and respond to other citizens' needs as effectively as possible #sschat
A1 you are engaged with the problems of your community, state or nation with a knowledge and temperament that allows you to make good, beneficial choices. #sschat
A1: It means asking, "What should we do?" and then forming the coalitions and engaging in the (civil) discourse necessary to answer the question. Then, you know, ACTUALLY DO the answer to the question. But sometimes it's just as simple as showing up. Always show up. #sschat
A1: staying informed, voting, contacting senators and reps., respectfully discussing differences with people who you disagree with and trying to find common ground. #sschat
A1: Being civically engaged, in my humble opinion, is knowing and practicing your rights and liberties responsibly. It's also the promotion of those. #sschat
A1: OAV 4 core principles:
1. Citizenship is a way of life
2. With our rights and freedoms come responsibilities
3. The success of the individual and the community are mutually dependent
4. The informed participation of We the People shapes and sustains our democracy
#sschat
A1) You know what's important to you, you know ways to get that across to people, you know how to find information & groups to support your views, and you take action. #sschat
Hi all. As a literacy-based middle school social studies teacher, most of my #PLN is literacy. Please follow me and I will do so back. I want to become more #SSCHAR engaged. Thanks. #sschat
A1: It means being involved and cognizant of what's going on with elections/issues ALL the time, not just when the president is elected every four years #sschat
a1 Civic engagement means participating in the life of the community - voting, staying politically informed, serving on juries, following local and state government actions and debates, etc. #sschat
A1 Civic engage= informed citizen who avoids echo chamber, verifies info, contributes to their community, respectfully engages in democratic processes. Also open to civil convo. #sschat
A1) To remain aware of whatβs going on in your community, country, and world. To speak up when the times call for it. To be committed to making things better. #sschat
#sschat A1 Being a participant in the community, striving to make it better for the next generation. I believe strongly the all schools should require a community service credit for graduation.
I've always been passively engaged - reading, staying informed, caring about my community and world. Like so many, I have moved into the actively engaged category. #sschat
A1: Civic engagement comes in varied forms (voting, activism, community work) for different places (local, national, global), & w/ diff. aims (personally responsible, participatory, justice-oriented). The Q for each citizen, how can YOU make the world better & more just? #sschat
a1 Civic engagement means participating in the life of the community - voting, staying politically informed, serving on juries, following local and state government actions and debates, etc. #sschat
A2 - Civic engagement in high school means continuing (shout-out to the middle and elementary teachers) to train students how to be critical consumers of news, information, and opinions. #sschat
A2: Engagement for my HS Ss is staying on top of the news of their community and the world, and then finding ways to be involved.
My Ss love being poll workers for elections and after #apgov many volunteer on campaigns.
#SSChat
A2: For middle school, students in my class propose a way to address a need of local, national, or global concern, and do it - even if it's a bake sale to raise money for Hurricane relief. #sschat
A2: Civic Engagement βlooks likeβ tolerant discussions where opposing views are heard and compromise is welcome; it is a daily habit of communication and a way of Being. #sschat
A2 - student voice, leadership, community service. We do a day of service every spring w/advisory groups. Want to do more with local gov though. #sschat
A2: My world is a little different as an online teacher, but we have started our first Student Council last year. This year, we're hoping to connect with various parts of PA with community projects and ideas. Fingers crossed! #sschat
A2: Start with issues that students care about in the school. Give them a voice, allow them to hear other perspectives and form their own arguments. Then students can take these skills outside of the walls of school and use them in the community #sschat
I teach a Criminal Justice class and I always tell my students how much I want to serve on a jury. I'm hoping my enthusiasm rubs off. I'm 36 and I've never been called.
#sschat
Our community is experiencing rapid growth/construction, and students should have a voice in the outcome. We're redesigning around a community project-based learning mindset. #sschat
A2 In my classroom it meant regular current events discussions, including ways in which national and statewide events effected life in our school and town. #sschat
A2. In the K12 setting, civic engagement looks like an incubator. An opportunity for kids to learn and try different methods of being involved in the community. This includes PBL, games, lessons, field trips, etc... #sschat#LetsK12Better
A2: At the most basic level it means being able to describe how government is supposed to work and how it works in real life. Ideally, it means being able to function as a citizen through community service and knowing how to vote, petition, etv. #sschat
A2: middle school--student council elections and events, kindness activities, community service but mostly adults decide and students go along--would like more student agency, #sschat
#sschat A2 This semester my colleague @1988project will be working with Ss and members of the Monon Historic Society to study local history, art and write about its importance to the community. Great way for our Ss to become familiar with the history of their community.
A2 Our middle school students do great things for their fellow students. Fundraisers, collections mostly. Would like to see them get out of the building and be more active in issues. #sschat
It can be very difficult when students are so young and havenβt developed their own opinions yet. However, I like to focus on helping students learn to be engaged respectfully! #sschat
A2: Using MLK Day as a day on, not day off, to do service work in and around our communities. Facilitating partnerships between Ss and local political organizations and gov. agencies. Teaching the value of voting! #sschat
A2 ... TFW you feel like you have nothing useful to add, you & your school are failing the world, and you have much to learn from #sschat colleagues
[a GIF in 3 acts]
Q2. In the elementary classroom civic engagement is practiced through many manners. Some examples are morning meeting routines, coming up & designing our own learning environment (ex: what are our classroom rules?), voting on various topics #sschat
Welcome to #sschat. Tonight's topic is civic engagement. I'm your guest moderator alongside @NHTOYMc. Please us A1, A2, etc. and the #sschat for each answer. Here we go with some intros!
A2: Civic engagement in K-12 can vary from making our class & schools more democratic & equitable (e.g., anti-bullying) to projects that go to local city council, national initiatives, or @TheGlobalGoals. #sschat
#PolitiCraft is being played across the country to help students practice the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to be civically engaged! #sschat#wedocivics
A2: @VTruchan & I engaged Ss to archive & write about 100 oral histories Building Bridges:Connecting Communities & Generations Through Oral Histories (Volume 1) https://t.co/QeMDXCiaMh#sschat
A2. It starts with front-loading a unit on public policy and civic action. Ss only care about structure and function of govt. when they know why they need to know it. #sschat
A2b: not only giving students a voice, but allow them to collaborate together and come up with solutions (goFundme goes raising money, websites raising awareness). Empower students to grow #sschat
A2 in my class it is a continuous process. We take a trip to our downtown to meet gov't officials, discuss community needs, then act. This year, Ss developed vacant lots to be public spaces, one of which is actually happening in the spring! #sschat
A2: It's social studies teachers organizing voter registration drives for kids to pre-register, class discussions about current events and how they relate to issues in the past, etc. #sschat
Ooooooh...Not yet. We play an online game called "Pick 12 Jury Game" after learning about different types of challenges and legal strategy. We also look at real jury questionnaires.
#sschat
Sorry jumping in late...(finally remembered!)
A2: We have service opp'ties once a cycle during which Ss can volunteer at a nearby preschool for childen with learning disabilities. #sschat
Dr. King's message is as relevant today as it was over 50 years ago. An article inspiring our young readers that we can each bring out our best -
https://t.co/TgNsFgCODW#MLKDay#sschat#Reading
Q2 We have an active student government that works with the administration to make changes in the school and a social justice club that works to give back. #sschat
A2: @VTruchan & I engaged Ss to archive & write about 100 oral histories Building Bridges:Connecting Communities & Generations Through Oral Histories (Volume 1) https://t.co/QeMDXCiaMh#sschat
A2 cont.. Next year I want to take engagement further and have them do large, year long service projects that are totally student driven. Still working out the details. #sschat
A2: In middle school, getting students to be more aware and participating in their local, national, and world community. Providing students the opportunity to participate and be a part of the change they want to see. #sschat
A2) One example: When my daughter was in 6th grade they read βLong Walk to Waterβ and the kids decided to raise $ for water to that region. #sschat
A2B: It may differ based on opportunity - if the county seat or state government offices are far flung, it may be tougher. But Civic Engagement can be done anywhere.
#sschat
Q2B. Great question. My gut tells me not really . . . though I can see teachers in different areas emphasizing different things for their students to want to focus on when it comes to their civic action project. #sschat
A2B: Only in the particulars. The idea of being civically involved in the US is still the same, and it's one that we aren't living up to enough as a nation. #sschat
I;m 70 and have been called regularly over the years, although most often have not ended up on a jury. In 4 instances, however, I have. Very instructive. Definitely not what it would seem like from most Civics instruction. Lots of irrationality in deliberations. #sschat
I understand your question but it's more important to me that they grapple & engage w/ topics than the degree to which they engage w/ others. Don't get me wrong, I value the importance of both, but seems like you can't have the latter w/o making sure you have the former #sschat
Classroom βrulesβ offer a great opportunity for democratic practice. Vivian Paleyβs You Canβt Say You Canβt Play book is a tremendous elementary example; The Situation Made Us Special article for middle school. #sschat
Q2. In the elementary classroom civic engagement is practiced through many manners. Some examples are morning meeting routines, coming up & designing our own learning environment (ex: what are our classroom rules?), voting on various topics #sschat
In many ways, yes. Our communities might have different needs and expectations; but, this can lead to a great discussion on equity and why areas have varying needs. #sschat
A2B: Definitely! From what I've seen, each community has different needs and different goals. We need to be fully aware of the communities we educate in order to best engage them! #sschat
A2: Start with issues that students care about in the school. Give them a voice, allow them to hear other perspectives and form their own arguments. Then students can take these skills outside of the walls of school and use them in the community #sschat
A1. I would explain to be civically engaged would mean to be involved in their community at some level depending on their capability as well as being aware of current issues and community needs. it could involve volunteer work, political involvement etc. #sschat
What I don't understand is why so many people try to get out of jury duty. That's actually trending right now. I liked jury duty and would like to do it again #sschat
In reply to
@classroomtools, @JeremyDBond, @davidjohnolson
Proud that #PolitiCraft can be played in any school or community to show that no matter who you are or where you live, your voice and your actions matter! Everyone can make a difference in their communities! #wedocivics#sschat
A2B: It can, but not necessarily. Technology allows Ss to be global citizens regardless of where they live. Although, Ss can participate in local civic projects that can and do look differently. #sschat
A3 We invite political candidates to speak to Ss and Ss end up volunteering in their campaigns. Ss learn to appreciate public service as a reputable way of life. #sschat
Jury duty, in my experience, involves lots of sitting around and waiting. Plus jury pay is minimal and many employers don't compensate for the time. #sschat
In reply to
@DayCatherineM, @JeremyDBond, @davidjohnolson
A2B: I think sometimes it looks different at affluent v Title 1 schools. Not negatively, just different. Everybody can make a difference. I'm Title 1--We talk about social capital and actions v fundraising #sschat
Agreed! My students help create community norms for collaborative work, flexible seating, etc. Solves many disagreements because they had a chance to share input at the start. #sschat
#sschat A2b: When I was teaching government, required my Ss to attend either our school board or town board meeting to watch how government functions. Want Ss to gain interest because small towns have few people that want to serve in important roles today.
Best example was after the Tuscaloosa tornado five years ago. Students were actively involve din cleanup and then followed politically as Tuscaloosa rebuilt. #sschat
A3: In our politics unit, we had students learn about current issues: healthcare, immigration, net neutrality, and more. Then, Ss researched our local representative's stance on those issues and wrote to her in support or opposition. #sschat
A3: I had my kids research net neutrality then wrote letters to the FCC about how they feel. We also had @RepSeanMaloney as a guest speaker to my Congress unit. He ran it like a town hall! #sschat
A3: We did a muckraking project for several years, in the style of Upton Sinclair etc. Ss would find a problem in the community, do the historical research on it, and propose practice solutions. Got a CA state award! #sschat
A3 this year I had groups of Ss create plans for community development. Winning ideas from each period presented to borough council. One idea got an investor and is becoming reality this spring! The Ss are involved the whole way! #sschat
Sometimes all it takes is an email or a personal invite in person -- politicians and government officials typically enjoy talking to Ss in class #sschat
A3 We invite political candidates to speak to Ss and Ss end up volunteering in their campaigns. Ss learn to appreciate public service as a reputable way of life. #sschat
A3: I let each high school government class choose community projects at the end of the year & they ended with speaking at city council for better recycling, donating time at food bank, & more. They did great & I just supported them. #sschat
A3 - One of the best things educators can do to promote civic engagement is to make room for student voice in making class or course decisions. Empower them (when able) to learn what they want to learn. It will drive their focus and motivation to produce top quality! #sschat
A3: Giving Ss broad parameters, but allowing Ss the ability to create and implement political activism and other civic engagement projects that appeal to their sense of purpose and values. The best results come from student choice and ownership. #sschat
A3: we help with fundraisers for our local those who need food etc. Currently in the process of a cross curricular unit w/ Science teacher about water quality: giving students a voice on what solutions they can help provide to poor water quality in our nation/world #sschat
A3: My AP Govt teacher required us to do some sort of civic engagement once a quarter-attending city council meetings, volunteering with the local Democrat/Republican groups, etc. It was eye opening! #sschat
We started the year by having each student suggest norms on post-its, then categorizing based on what everyone suggested. Finally, we narrowed down the language and created our class agreement. We've had to revise a little here and there, they've been open to it. #sschat
A3: I do a campaign simulation in my #apgov class that Ss love. It has inspired many to study Poli Sci in college and find ways to engage directly in politics.
#sschat
Best example was after the Tuscaloosa tornado five years ago. Students were actively involve din cleanup and then followed politically as Tuscaloosa rebuilt. #sschat
A3: I took all 8th graders to 3rd Circuit Appeals court. Listened to oral arguments of 3 cases (two of which involved Google & Uber). Wanted to show Ss a glimpse of the judicial process. #sschat
A3: Oh, man -- so many beautiful examples of civic engagement out there. Where to start? From food drives to new city ordinances to protesting policies at all levels. #sschat
A3- my students raised $, designed, and had built a memorial that I son our campus to a local man who died in WW2 after his brother visited to tell his story #sschat
#sschat A3 We have brought in speakers via FaceTime/Skype & Hangouts to talk with our Ss. Congressman Lewis: talked about his role in hoping to change a culture. Indiana Senator Joe Donnelly talked about importance of roles Ss should do in society today.
A3 In Berkeley, CA (my town) students 16 and older now have the right to register and vote in school board elections. Their voices matter for real on issues close to home. #sschat
I tried something similar in my younger years, and recall a few minority voters having a hard time respecting the process. ("I didn't sign on to this!") #sschat
A3 Ss last year were very into election, did a lot of research about candidates. issues, electoral college, watch debates, etc. Many shared about explaining EC at home to parents #sschat
We also have students debate current controversial topics that are important to them requiring them to research. This teaches them to look beyond the headlines and practice civil discourse -- more important today than ever. #sschat
A3: The Flint water crisis inspired this local student to devise a solution that garnered national acclaim. Great intersection of civics and #STEM! https://t.co/fsHqcQWhRH#sschat
Didnβt have the luxury of deliberations as an alternate they didnβt end up needing. Was an uninteresting traffic suit anyway. Hoping Iβll have the opportunity to do the whole thing some day. #sschat
I have had to get my students to try to think beyond just a product for me/class and move to real action which is the focus this year. I also do a project myself. That helps...
In my classes, I provided a lot of opportunities for input & discussion. I canβt remember a student being disgruntled at the end of the process, which resulted in a class constitution that looks like the real one. They usually had never had that much input before. #sschat
A3B: We coordinate with the students so they participate in the page program at the Georgia House of Representatives. The students then turn their experience into a project of their own design. #sschat
A3: Letters to legislators and some students took their changemaker project to the action level. Simulations of UN, Congress. StuCo campaigns. I have a former student running for Governor right now!!! #sschat
#sschat A3 We also had a phone conversation with 88 Presidential candidate Michael Dukakis: he encouraged Ss to get involved in politics. Indiana Senator Todd Young will be speaking to our Ss on January 25th.
Also, when I taught GovPo, I'd invite gov reps to my class to talk about the election process. Local election precincts also asked me for student volunteers on election day. Students always came back invigorated. #sschat
A3 In Berkeley, CA (my town) students 16 and older now have the right to register and vote in school board elections. Their voices matter for real on issues close to home. #sschat
A4 "What will I have to remove from the curriculum to make space?" -- "How will I handle ideological arguments?" -- "Will this make my job more difficult/tenuous?" #sschat
A4 If the civic action steps on administrative toes, pressure will likely fall on the teacher to end the action. Could be the action offends parents, teachers or admins. #sschat
A4- we are rural and getting to places where there are more opportunities for diverse ways to engage civically is hard. If itβs virtual, itβs not the same #sschat
A4: My biggest issue with my government classes is ALWAYS time. I teach #apgov in one semester (non-block). It's tough to meet the needs of the course - let alone find time for meaningful hands-on activities.
#sschat
A4: 1) student motivation and not thinking their voice will be heard 2) student abilities/capabilities to access tools outside of the classroom #sschat
A4 Major obstacle is convincing Ss that civic engagement is first and foremost a way of Being-- conducting yourself (not just 'doing' things in the community-- which is very important too). #sschat
A4: Unavailable officials, inappropriate speakers, or student apathy (my class is made of HS seniors and by spring semester they are SO checked out)! #sschat
A4: If you put your students "out there" you also put yourself "out there." This can be scary, but I think it's worth the (minimal) risk. Also, if like 100 kids start calling, emailing, and showing up to the same local agency, folks get ticked. Oh well. #sschat
Students participate in blood drives, food drives, and toy drives. The city works with the Ss to encourage recycling and going green initiatives through a Mayor's Youth Council. #sschat
A4: Equity. Not every Ss can do the outside of school work (tech issues, financial limitations, etc.). This year, I provided Ss with the option to write a lettter to a govt official as a civic eng project (no cost -I pay for stamp) #sschat
One idea on where to start: @USAownersmanual#ATOMbook. Numerous examples of Americans who have built & flexed their citizenship muscles to make government respond.
Working with local or state officials can often be frustrating. For my CJ Ss, their final project can incorporate an interview and it is always difficult to get people to respond via email.
#sschat
A4: The most challenging component of civic engagement can be encouraging students to address structural racism, sexism, classism, etc. Itβs easy to get students on board with recycling, but addressing bigotry is needed & challenging. #sschat#MLKDay
A4 although I love when it happens, sometimes Ss shake up the status quo which can be uncomfortable for Ts. But this is a necessary thing for true change! #sschat
A2 i would suggest that it may look different depending on the needs of the community but that the same requirement (imho) of awareness and participation must be present. urban setting may have more problems with homelessness or violent crime as opposed to extremepoverty #sschat
We invited a former member of the Black Panthers once who urged kids to never pay taxes, never vote, and smoke pot...not exactly a lesson in honest citizenship! #sschat
The best way is to bring representatives from all sides. We get caught in our own echo chambers. Teaching kids HOW to listen to a different vantage point is an important part of civic engagement and civil discourse. #sschat
A4: It's not explicitly in the curric or pacing. 150 students choose individual topics that are exceedingly complex which time constraints do not allow for background they need. I wonder about choosing group topics instead? Pros? Cons? #sschat
A4- Last year I had to deal with parents who thought i was punishing their daughter for making a pro-trump political cartoon. I donβt have a problem having that conversation with parents, but it takes enough time that I try to avoid it. #sschat
A4: Time! Making the experience meaningful and authentic, while making sure not to rush the experience so that I can cover all I need to. Giving students the time and space to really engage and reflect on their experiences. #sschat#sschat
For sure! One of the main reasons I'm in Social Studies is to teach them to look at both sides of an issue and make up their own minds, not influence to my way of thinking. #sschat
That is exactly what we believe #PolitiCraft disprove during gameplay. To show students that even if its small actions they are taking, every step you take is part of a bigger picture of being an engaged citizen! #sschat#wedocivics
A4: Another struggle is finding appropriate materials for middle school students. After the presidential debates of 2016, we've had to be really careful of the sources we use. #sschat
Also, want to ensure they have all the info they need to make informed decisions and not be taken advantage of by those who would try to influence them #sschat
I agree π― Parents often question my politics in my small town. It's hard to teach opposing views without the assumption that I must lean a particular way bc we discussed issues that they don't agree with. #sschat
Then again, there is also the issue of people from one side or the other that won't show up, or who are so completely dull that the other side "wins out" just by charisma default. #sschat
Itβs a tough political season for SS Ts. Teaching & leading Ss in political discussion is treacherous depending on age of Ss, district, etc. Also a struggle to make this relatable for young Ss #sschat
Ok. Wondered if the result was as unexpected in the classroom as in the outsideβlimits of polls etc. And whether that election broke all the rules. #sschat
Oh, and by the way, I should have pointed out that itβs harder for students who are privileged. Students who face systematic oppression are often yearning to address the injustice. #sschat
#sschat One of our best engagements was a debate with a class in Monterrey, Mexico. We shared our views and customs. Each group had strong opinions but we learned to agree to disagree. Great for our Ss to see first hand the views of Ss from another country.
A4 The biggest obstacle for me would probably be financial and time constraints however I can also foresee difficulties from parents in my community whose children wouldnβt want to@participate or may have ideological differences. #sschat
Q2: At the 8th grade I think it means learning to discuss with facts. Learning to look at both sides of a discussion. I encourage students to think of ways they can make a difference in their own school and community. Get involved. #sschat
Amen! It's called "agree to disagree" and that's what we try to teach Ss.There are always 2 sides or more sides to any issue and they need to hear all of them so they are informed I surely would want all the info before I make a decision.Why would I provide less for a Ss? #sschat
A5: I would imagine information is far more accessible. When I have a TA for my #apgov classes, they become my "fact-checker" - I can have them look up just about anything instantaneously as Qs are raised in class.
#sschat
A5: We have universes more data and information readily available to us than even our parents had. Also, in past generations political discourse wasn't anywhere near as ugly and divisive as it is now. #sschat
A5 Proliferation of news 'sources/outlets' in todays info/media ecosystem. Not all go by journalistic principles. Ss using blogs as news to inform. #sschat
A5 Well, I don't know how old you are, or when your great grandfathers lived, but I'll assume that for those who are non-white and/or female; quite a bit different - since they were often banned from civic involvement. #sschat
A5: Today, students can amplify the voice of a cause, community, or individual story to the world. But, that doesnβt mean one is less valuable than the other. #sschat
#sschat A5 See more apathy today from Ss. Not as important as it was to me growing up. In my youth, it was an expectation. Pride in your community and being proud to take care of it. Really want our Ss to have that same feeling!
I suppose it's a matter of vetting, and of scheduling. We can't necessarily pick the right personalities, and some ppl simply don't want to be in an open forum. Tough problem, eh? #sschat
A5: I would imagine information is far more accessible. When I have a TA for my #apgov classes, they become my "fact-checker" - I can have them look up just about anything instantaneously as Qs are raised in class.
#sschat
A5: While technology has allowed for our Ss to be global citizens, it has also created a monster of media and information for Ss. It is more challenging than ever teaching Ss to be literate in this information age so that they can actually be civically engaged. #sschat
A5) So much easier to get information yet so much information isn't "vetted" as it was back in the day. Also easier to find others who share your interests/concerns & work for action. #sschat
A5- my g-grandfather registered to vote, registered for the draft, voted in elections, went to France in 1918 and went to almost every town meeting. That was just about his only chances for civic engagement. Kids today have 10x that or more #sschat
Absolutely. This is part of how I "fight the phones" - I often tell Ss to "get out their portable google machines" and find the answer. We all benefit...
#SSChat
A5: That would be true. I remember my Ps not even really talking about it too much when I was a kid in the 60s and 70s, except to tell me to do what is right and fair all the time, and that's what they did #sschat
A5: Easier access to news, more debate over real vs fake news, politicians being more accessible via TV/radio/internet, and just internet in general, lol. #sschat
I wouldn't be so certain about that "vetting" back in the day. Read The Sun and the Moon, Bunk, and Fantasyland among so many other great titles. #sschat
A5- I guarantee my g-grandfather learned almost nothing about civic engagement in school. But I bet his parents mandated he be engaged and modeled it fo him. #sschat
A5: Social media. Civic engagement can be as easy as using our fingertips to share and promote a cause or learn about the news of the day. However, Ss first need to be taught how to be critical consumers. #sschat
A5 - We & our students live in digital echo chambers. Not much different from bowling leagues (read Bowling Alone) or local civics clubs to which our grandparents belonged. Just highlights the perennial challenge of actively seeking opinions of those different from us. #sschat
I'm trying something new this year. Calling it the Lunchtime Open Forum - an opportunity for students, teachers, admins, and staff to come together in my room once a month to civilly discuss an issue of contemporary significance. https://t.co/1mRRUxj102#sschat
A5: It seems that we agree that Ss have an easier time to access info (though they need to learn how to vet it) and have more global connections than ever before #sschat
A5: I love the accessibility of information today. I have my Ss use my #GoogleHome to answer basic questions we have as discussion progresses. Access to people via Twitter, social media for chats #sschat
Oh, and by the way, I should have pointed out that itβs harder for students who are privileged. Students who face systematic oppression are often yearning to address the injustice. #sschat
A5 Tech is the biggest game changer. Anyone can post online. Ss need the tools to make sense of it all, weight sources, differentiate between fact and opinion #sschat
Yes, you are right about the ugliness. But it wasn't nearly as magnified, loud, or unrestrained as it is today. And that Adams bio was fantastic...am reading Chernow's Hamilton bio currently. #sschat
A5: βGreat-Granpasβ also would seemingly engage those within their social, economic, or religious boundaries. Has that changed much? Or still a work in progress? #sschat
A5: Gosh, that was Great War era and he was farming to feed Europe and voting at least I hope. Today: Social Media/technology make awareness easier, more accessible. Kids know about global issues as well as local. Tech can help activism but be careful of slacktivism #sschat
A5 change can happen quicker, which if not careful, can lead to projects that aren't well thought out and produce negative products. Vetting and conversation is important because not every idea is the next great thing. #sschat
A5: βGreat-Grandpasβ also would seemingly engage those within their social, economic, or religious boundaries. Has that changed much? Or still a work in progress? #sschat
A6 These Tough Choices stimulated some of the most amazing and engaging civic issue discussions I've ever used. They have worked for me with all ages from Middle School to adult. https://t.co/JcsA3wMV6I#sschat
A6: The @WCSS1 just partnered with INSPIRE US - https://t.co/fjN1xHxQYi - to promote HS Ss to register to vote. We are recognizing any school that reaches the 75% threshold for eligible voter registration.
#SSChat
ROFL! Well, the Jay Treaty was a complete letdown and Hamilton was never one to show restraint in criticism, even to his superiors...so it makes sense! #sschat
A6: The community library still serves a hub for civic engagement. It may not be βflashyβ, but, one can connect with leaders, experts, authors, etc. #sschat
A6: Teaching with primary sources helps students to learn how to analyze sources, enhancing information literacy skills which competent citizens need. #sschat
A6: I can share my civic engagement project for middle school students (adaptable to all grades) - send me a DM and I'll give you link. I created this past summer after Action Civics summit. #sschat
A6 @Newsela and Junior Scholastic are great for providing articles at the MS reading level that could prompt civil engagement, lots of current events #sschat
I never ran into this problem. Parents repeatedly told me over the years it was because they could see that I let their children speak their minds as long as they could support their assertions; and that they saw me do the same with mine. #sschat
In reply to
@JeremyDBond, @highleyjane, @MrsC_Will, @DayCatherineM, @DrJHarmon
#PolitiCraft is an #actioncivics card game that guides students through varying levels of civic engagement. The game informs them of the multiple pathways available to achieve real change in their school and community while giving a voice to the issues they care about. #sschat
A6: Anything local! We've had our city mayor, dean of UCI Law School, and Skyped others to speak to our students. Getting to "meet" these people in real life gets our Ss engaged and interested. #sschat
I really dig @icivics and @FindLaw Something else I do is look at Ss-related SCOTUS cases and discuss. Ss believe they have no rights...not true! Ss need to know how to interpret law, how it applies to them, and how to responsibly challenge. #sschat
A6: @teachingtolerance has great resources for Ts to help incorporate civic engagement. Choices from Brown University also has some great current events lesson plans. #sschat
A6: Elementary and middle school teachers interested in learning more about the Our American Voice program, please contact us. https://t.co/4AAfRRUbKy#sschat
A6: I second @icivics . It has taught more about how the gov't works better than I could on my own or through having Ss just read from a txtbook. #sschat
I asked my Grands if they had the right to vote? They were like "no." I asked them, "who told you that one? Yes you do. However you are not eligible." This piqued their interest in the Bill of Rights immediately. #sschat
I explain that no matter where I live, when I play devil's advocate it's going to look like I lean a particular way. It's my job to present the options and civics as a whole picture not just a half of the picture. Then Ss decide. Ethically I won't push an agenda. #sschat
In reply to
@highleyjane, @DayCatherineM, @DrJHarmon
#PolitiCraft is an #actioncivics card game that guides students through varying levels of civic engagement. The game informs them of the multiple pathways available to achieve real change in their school and community while giving a voice to the issues they care about. #sschat
Perhaps the intimacy of the exchanges encouraged the vitriol. Small circle. The opposite of today. Voice a drop in ocean. Requires vitriol to be heard? #sschat
How can you play a game of PolitiCraft with an entire class using a single deck? I saw it at NCSS and liked it but wasn't clear how to implement with 30 kids in the room. #sschat
A6 #sschat Here is an article about how to use essential questions leading to civic engagement with some tools, rubrics and resources. https://t.co/PleW0L2jKn@NCSSNetwork
FQ: I teach at a Catholic school and am hoping to incorporate a unit where we read about global current event issues and how we can evoke change through Catholic social justice. #sschat
The biggest lesson I have is you can have an opinion but defend it and know that freedom to have an opinion doesn't not mean freedom from criticism. #sschat
In reply to
@classroomtools, @JeremyDBond, @highleyjane, @DayCatherineM, @DrJHarmon
Fantastic list of resources for incorporating civic engagement in a history-social science curriculum! Thank you, @icivics! @IUSDLiteracy#sschat#irvineusd
