#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.
Christina here from @icivics. Checking into this #sschat on the tail end of tonight’s @hgse#askwith forum on education, voting, and midterms. Excited to keep the #2018midterms learning and discussion train rolling this Monday evening.
#sschat on the #2018midterms starts in 1 hour! 7pm ET 10/1 Teachers: Share your ideas & questions; Admin: How can you support your Ts and a school-wide culture of civic engagement?
Civics orgs--come on down! We know you are doing a ton of good work, so join in the conversation!
Intro: @rebekah_harding here tweeting for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. Excited to talk about Midterm Elections! #sschat@2018Mideterms
Hi folks, good evening! Welcome to #sschat on teaching elections and the #2018MidtermElections I'm Vicky P with @NewsHourExtra alongside the Teaching for Democracy Alliance who is w/ us tonight. We are thrilled to be here. Tell us about yourself & why you joined the chat tonight!
Hi folks, good evening! Welcome to #sschat on teaching elections and the #2018MidtermElections I'm Vicky P with @NewsHourExtra alongside the Teaching for Democracy Alliance who is w/ us tonight. We are thrilled to be here. Tell us about yourself & why you joined the chat tonight!
Excited for tonight’s chat! #sschat w/@vicpasquantonio mid-term elections are so vital! I teach HS social studies through comics and pop culture whenever possible!
We're joining several #TeachingForDemocracy civics organizations in tonight's #SSCHAT to talk about getting students excited for the 2018 midterm elections. Follow along with chat leader @NewsHourExtra and share your thoughts. Starting... now!
For those of you who might be wondering, the Teaching for Democracy Alliance is a working group of national, nonpartisan orgs promoting high quality teaching about elections and voting in k12 - more at https://t.co/XhxCBR3PBW#sschat
Hi folks, good evening! Welcome to #sschat on teaching elections and the #2018MidtermElections I'm Vicky P with @NewsHourExtra alongside the Teaching for Democracy Alliance who is w/ us tonight. We are thrilled to be here. Tell us about yourself & why you joined the chat tonight!
Yeah let's go #sschat!
I am Andre: (8th gr. from Massachusetts -- one of the co-moderators
Midterm elections usually seem like the middle child of civics ... let's give them the respect they deserve!
I'll tweet from my own account tonight with some @Newshourextra info too. The Teaching for Democracy Alliance is made up of a bunch of civics orgs https://t.co/73mEqvok3w#sschat we are so glad to be with social studies teachers, principals, parents, and civic minded folks
Hi folks, good evening! Welcome to #sschat on teaching elections and the #2018MidtermElections I'm Vicky P with @NewsHourExtra alongside the Teaching for Democracy Alliance who is w/ us tonight. We are thrilled to be here. Tell us about yourself & why you joined the chat tonight!
Hi #sschat ! Mary Ellen Daneels from #CivicsIsBack in Illinois. Happy to learn from all of you about the #Midterms2018 . We need to prepare our youngest community members for this year's elections and @22MillionVotes
Joining Midterms Matter tonight because elections bring our government process to life with real time examples. My students will be in the midst of our Constitution unit in Nov. #sschat
Patrick Ernst here from Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. I am a preservice educator hoping to learn more about the importance of elections! #sschat
Hello! My name is Yvonne Lee. I am a student at Concordia college learning to be an elementary teacher. I am here today to further my education in what social studies is all about and how to effectively bring it into my class #sschat#CCED336
Hi #sschat ! Mary Ellen Daneels from #CivicsIsBack in Illinois. Happy to learn from all of you about the #Midterms2018 . We need to prepare our youngest community members for this year's elections and @22MillionVotes
Happy to be a part of tonight's #sschat about the #2018midterms. We focus on engaging the next generation of #pubmedia journalists and champions, and work with the amazing @vicpasquantonio
Excited to be here! I’m a school librarian in Nashville, sponsor of high school Republicans and Dems, cosponsor of Students for Political Action, and founder of @projectciv, which brings kids together to read different viewpoints and have a civil conversation. #excited#sschat
Madison Valley here! I am currently an elementary teacher in training at Concordia College in Moorhead Minnesota. I am here to connect with others and learn some tools, resources, and tricks! #sschat
Intro: My name is Monica and I am a senior at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN where I am studying elementary and special education. I am very excited to participate in tonight’s chat and learn about different ways to incorporate elections into the classroom. #sschat#CCED336
Chris from Bloomington, IN. Teach world history for a private online HS affiliated w/ Indiana Univ. I have a feeling that tonight is going to be a night where I'm going to have a bunch of tabs open in Chrome & praying it doesn't crash. 🙏🙏🙏 #sschat
Tonight's #sschat is already whizzing by,,,,
We will post archives shortly after the end of the hour, here on Twitter and on our FB page: https://t.co/7URwuJbVYI
Q1: Visit our 2016 Election website for election resources such as how to register to vote, a history of US political parties, and studies showing differences between the brains of liberals and conservatives. https://t.co/TlY24OT3HT#SSCHAT
Twitter and #sschat in particular is a great place for that. I am a proud Norwegian-Lutheran College alum myself. I went to Augustana in Sioux Falls, SD
Hi everyone, I’m Neil, a SS teacher in Balt Co, MD & I’m here because I’m interested in learning how to work the midterms into my daily work as a SPED teacher. #sschat
Hi folks, good evening! Welcome to #sschat on teaching elections and the #2018MidtermElections I'm Vicky P with @NewsHourExtra alongside the Teaching for Democracy Alliance who is w/ us tonight. We are thrilled to be here. Tell us about yourself & why you joined the chat tonight!
Hi, Vicki from Pittsburgh, PA. A little late to the #sschat party tonight. I co-teach a HS online Cultural & Lit studies course. I do the Geography part of the course. Looking forward to incorporating what I can into class.
I’m a big fan of teaching students the basics of why we have government in the first place through some selective anarchy, then providing the mechanics of our republic as a means of decision making. #sschat
A1 In CA, the state @LWV provides an Easy Voter Guide for each election. It is terrific for students to use, and is available in multiple languages. https://t.co/qRoMGdNQ3K#sschat
A1) I've had Ss fill out voter registration form, review sample ballots, work at the polls, etc. Encourage them to get involved even if they're too young to vote.. #sschat
A1 I walk them through the easy process of voting. New voters are often intimidated by voting when they don’t know what it’s like. I also take my own children with me so it’s normal for them to do so. #sschat
A1
Shifting my curriculum this year toward more civics and less US history, so I am still figuring out how to do this well....
#MAhistory civics
#sschat
Yup it is @flipping_A_tchr There's a lot of smart & caring teachers and administrators and civics orgs on here. Share your ideas. Remember, don't be modest (at least for this hour-you can do it!)--we need & want to know what you're doing in the classroom...so share away! #sschat
2 ways! Registered every eligible voter, go over ballot with them, help them make a plan 2 vote, follow-up like crazy. 2nd- run mock election like the real election, complete with requiring kids to register and show photo ID to vote #sschat
A1 @WeTheVoters has some really excellent 5 min videos on polling, voting and the role of media in politics. Here's "So you think you can vote?" https://t.co/EFJ8q3N9Ui#sschat
My school just completed a voter registration drive today - with the help of @LWVDaneCounty
All eligible students were registered today. I have a ton of students who are working at a polling place on election day as well.
#sschat
A1 We have voter registration drives in school. Each teacher is a registrar and we will have the @LWVWheaton in to register kids not in civics class during lunch hours. #sschat@blaimins@CHSD94
Reviewing sample ballots is key! In FL, they estimate it could take upwards of 30 minutes to vote if you didn't review the ballot (and all of the initiatives) ahead of time #sschat
A1) I've had Ss fill out voter registration form, review sample ballots, work at the polls, etc. Encourage them to get involved even if they're too young to vote.. #sschat
Q1: Our first curriculum unit focused on the foundations of Civics and Citizenship. It's a great fundamental resource to get at "the basics". #sschathttps://t.co/j1k1j2FmB7
A1) when talking to them like an adult fails, I bust out really awkward GIFs to try & make it relatable (or just try to make them roll their eyes) #sschat
It is important that students not only learn the basics of our government, but rather understand the way our government works through inquiry based teaching. Students need to be given an experience they can connect with in order to understand. #sschat#CCED336
My name is Jessica Salazar, I am a pre-service History teacher from Steubenville, OH. I'm here to see what goes on in these twitter chats and to see how I can benefit from them.#sschat
Not a teacher yet but it’s important to make our students aware and understand of how our government is set up. One idea to do this is have them participate in an in class election or to give them some type of experience to help them understand the system used. #sschat#CCED336
For 'basics' Q1 #sschat I remember my college (yes, college) freshman poli sci prof asking our class: Who are your Congresspeople? The majority of the class was dumbfounded. We didn't know. Is this import for young people to know? 1 rep/2 senators? Not a lot--why is it so hard?
Yes! Such a wonderful resource that the @LWV puts out (shout out to @LWVBMC ). Many local newspapers do this as well - another downside of many local papers going under. :( #sschat
A1 In CA, the state @LWV provides an Easy Voter Guide for each election. It is terrific for students to use, and is available in multiple languages. https://t.co/qRoMGdNQ3K#sschat
A1: We're excited to share the Teaching for Democracy Alliance voting education checklist coming in this month's issue of @NCSSNetwork’s Social Education! #sschat
Hi all Matt checking in to learn more about all the awesome things you all are doing to teach the midterms! Looking forward to learning with all of you! #sschat
A1: I am not a teacher yet, however when I was in elementary school I ran for student council president. During that process I learned how to campaign and express my beliefs to my peers. I believe this is a great, fun way to introduce children to elections. #sschat#CCED336
Civics education is in the back of my mind as well as we move through each day. Florida Ss have to take an end of course exam in 8th grade and I would like them to be as prepared as possible on basics before leaving my class. Does Mass have a Civics end of course exam? #sschat
Mikva Challenge partners with Cook County Board of Elections to get 2000 students/election to act as judges on election day. An incredible experience. #sschat
A1: Simply put, awareness of the fact that their voice matters in the process! I had students tell me they couldn't wait to vote this year. As 7th grader, this made my heart sing! #sschat
Wow that's a good point and a lot to think about ...do we pay too much attention to national news and not local where we'd talk about local elections #sschat
A1: Our partners @TheRoyalHS invites candidates (local, state, and national) to give brown bag lunch talks on campus so students can be exposed to elections #sschat
A2: Students want to know about the races that they (or their family) will get to vote in. They also want to know which party will have control when it's over...
#sschat
A2: 68% of voters age 18-21 are more likely to support a candidate in favor of raising the minimum wage. Show students both sides of issues they care about on https://t.co/DZt0e48rjF to help them develop informed opinions. #sschat 📷@MorningConsult
A2: Honestly, they haven’t really been too excited just yet. Fortnite season 6 dropping was their latest excitement, or their games coming up. Hope my geeking out over midterms comes through & stokes their fire. #sschat
A2 The Kavanaugh hearings have sparked interest in the importance of the party having the majority in the Senate-- and all the perks that come with it. This has raised interest in the midterms. #sschat
A2: I have to admit. I have heard nothing from my 8th gr or 10th gr Ss about the midterms - there is generally zero excitement. I do, however, have an "Election Quick Pick" contest in Forms, thanks to @coachschutte#sschat
I am not yet a practicing teacher. I am an elementary teacher in training and I think that even in the elementary years it is Important to know the basics of an election and be able to partipate by voting #sschat#CCED336
A1 I walk them through the easy process of voting. New voters are often intimidated by voting when they don’t know what it’s like. I also take my own children with me so it’s normal for them to do so. #sschat
It really is....I would be glued to your description because I know you're funny when you're talking about it but do you get serious about your disappointment (or whatever else you felt) w your Ss? #sschat
A2)This midterm my students are oddly excited about the House race for the 39th district. Long time Rep. Ed Royce is not running. Kids have caught on to negative & positive propaganda for Gil Cisneros. And they say his name all day long. I will go with it! #sschat
Practicing this process with Elem kids is important. They are never too young to understand decision-making and how groups of people work together.
#sschat
A1 Discuss current events, look at ballot, voting simulations, ideology quizzes followed by pre-registration to vote, @ReaganEducation typology activity, 270 & @pewresearch#sschat
A2)This midterm students are oddly excited about the House race for CA 39th district. Long time Rep. Ed Royce is not running. Kids have caught on to negative & positive propaganda for Gil Cisneros. And they say his name all day long. I will go with it! #sschat#middleschool
This is exactly what students in our network are tackling. All around the country, they are filming interviews with young people on the #youthvote. We'll be showcasing the collection of voices in a few weeks on our platforms using #SRLYouthVote. #sschat
A2: Ws have found that students want to discuss what will impact them most. Host a Town Hall and invite local candidates (park district, school board) Check out ours from 2018 that focused on Education. #sschathttps://t.co/a3SgEn27k3
Yes! Such a wonderful resource that the @LWV puts out (shout out to @LWVBMC ). Many local newspapers do this as well - another downside of many local papers going under. :( #sschat
A1 In CA, the state @LWV provides an Easy Voter Guide for each election. It is terrific for students to use, and is available in multiple languages. https://t.co/qRoMGdNQ3K#sschat
A2: This past election cycle in general has peaked student interest. Whether it was outright rage or celebration, kids are listening and tuning into politics now. I"m excited to see what my Ss make of the midterms and will be certain to not shy away from discussion. #sschat
Hi Liz, do you use the @LWV of California Easy Voter Guide? A1 In CA, the state @LWV provides an Easy Voter Guide for each election. It is terrific for students to use, and is available in multiple languages. https://t.co/qRoMGdNQ3K#sschat
In reply to
@historytechie, @ReaganEducation, @pewresearch, @LWV, @LWV
As apart of teaching the “basics” I think it is important for students to know however I think it would be hard to teach because even I don’t know too much about it. This really helps put into perspective about how much it isn’t talked about and how much I have to learn #sschat
A2) we had some great discussions about ballot initiatives, even for elections in other states. The Florida measure to restore voting rights to the formerly incarcerated sparked great discussions about citizenship, race, class and political voice #sschathttps://t.co/44YLK8PM2S
The day after, when I had to recount the story to students (4 times, once for each class) was heart-wrenching and draining.
Nowadays I can spin this with growth-mindset language but still the experience of campaigning made me appreciate even the most distasteful candidate #sschat
A2 Students are also concerned about the impact on #census2020 in its impact on issues of representation and equity, especially in light of the citizenship question, here are some resources to help Ss understand what is at stake https://t.co/wLJSiOj3Jr#sschat
In 2016 we developed an Elections unit specifically for each elementary grade. Our hope was that schools would adopt the curriculum for the week leading up to elections. Check it out. #sschathttps://t.co/oJ2l9KPGdP
Yes! So true. I remember going with my mom when she voted in the 1980 election. I would've been 9 so in about 3rd or 4th grade. #justdatedmyself#ohwell#sschat
A2: This year it seems like the Ss are most interested in the elections in the context of the Kavanaugh confirmation. It's a good chance to talk about the composition of Congress, the Constitution, SCOTUS, and where that all overlaps.
https://t.co/8GeFXLPEEe#sschat
A2 I keep sample ballots to show them what they look like and how the process works. Last year we had the teacher walkout but our red states status is secure so elections arent competitive. They pay more attn to national races #sschat
A2. This is a great question! Since I have yet to be in an elementary classroom during midterm elections, I will ask my prof tomorrow about what she has observed. #sschat#CCED336
A2 I will ask them - don’t forget to ask the students first. We also used https://t.co/EhlttVqZSm to get the conversation going - many did not even know what they didn’t know before this activity. #sschat
A2
My Ss become interested in whatever their parents are interested - mostly how will this hurt/help Trump.
The biggest issue that my Ss have any real connection to is school safety/gun issues.
#sschat
A2: Ws have found that students want to discuss what will impact them most. Host a Town Hall and invite local candidates (park district, school board) Check out ours from 2018 that focused on Education. #sschathttps://t.co/a3SgEn27k3
The students that I am observing and working with definitely seem to be interested in the midterm elections, as my cooperating teacher greatly stressed the importance of these, even that they are more important than the presidential elections. #sschat
I think the hardest thing for me is getting my students interested. The idea of thinking about politics bores the heck out of them. Any suggestions? #sschat
Actually, one of the best experiences of my life. Lots of bright talented people to work with. In the days when women's work options were socially limited, the League offered so many a way to participate meaningfully in politics. #sschat
Thanks! I particularly like the jelly bean voting activity for Kinders. I did it with my daughter's preschool to introduce the idea of informed decision making with voting. #sschat
A2: As we get closer more interest in who will control the houses. Mentioned Kavanaugh confirmation and how it may impact voter turnout. Honestly, they aren’t much into it yet... a few are and working campaigns. #sschat
For those #sschat Ts and admin looking for data on elections/voting/civics and why we need to be teaching it, @CivicYouth is your go to resource! Their data are awesome. And they started #TeachingForDemocracy alliance which shows civics orgs work together, just like teachers!
I think the hardest thing for me is getting my students interested. The idea of thinking about politics bores the heck out of them. Any suggestions? #sschat
There are some great interact units for Ancient Japan - Warlords of Japan. My Ss still talk about it all the time. Or Ancient Maya. I can share the resources if they are interested. Super engaging.
#SSChat
I used this with my Modern US History class as we examined political ideology. We are trying to understand how differences in politics have led to different outcomes in the past 50 years.
#sschat
This reminds me when I was teaching in NY during the 2000 election. They had no understanding of punch ballot voting (hanging chads). That's what we used in Indiana (where I had moved from) so I had lots of good info to share. :) #sschat
A2 I keep sample ballots to show them what they look like and how the process works. Last year we had the teacher walkout but our red states status is secure so elections arent competitive. They pay more attn to national races #sschat
Youth reporters tell us their classmates are interested in hearing from candidates who are running about school safety, immigration and college affordability. Issues covered in recent pieces produced by teens: https://t.co/y8A7u5fInL#sschat#2018Midterms
A3 I show actual footage from hearings and the floor from @CSPANClassroom@cspan . Legislators are real people and act poorly, The Ss are often shocked how they treat people. That sometimes reflect this topic like Rxn to #metoo etc #sschat
A3. We can’t just talk about the “tough” conversations during elections. Build community. Open these discussions early and continue throughout. It shouldn’t be hard. #sschat
Q3: Having conversations about difficult topics takes skills and structures. Facing History's Fostering Civil Discourse guide has lots of ideas: https://t.co/Bjw3pwqUkv#sschat
We also recommend using this @pewresearch Political Typology Quiz with students to encourage them to challenge how they define themselves politically!
Where do you fit in the political typology? https://t.co/jnwK7S7JAV#sschat
A3: Teaching controversial issues is a best practice. So I say embrace the movements and use them to inspire student interest. And students should definitely know where the candidates stand on these issues. Not sure? Tweet @ them!!! #sschat
A3: One way I deal with this is by asking for students to express their voice in a weekly blog. This week, my sophomores are weighing in on the current Kavanaugh hearings issue. I've found they are brutally honest in a blog vs. openly in class. #sschat
A3: I think developing a basic understanding of political ideology and central ideas of political parties makes these questions meaningful. Understanding the values and beliefs of parties makes this approachable
#sschat
I think the hardest thing for me is getting my students interested. The idea of thinking about politics bores the heck out of them. Any suggestions? #sschat
If y’all could give me an @SenSchumer shimmy or a @SenWarren Whip & Nae Nae, my students would totally be in. Even a @SenTedCruz mom-croon dance would be 🔥 #sschat
In reply to
@FantasyCong, @flipping_A_tchr, @SenSchumer, @SenWarren, @SenTedCruz
It IS possible to talk current events every day. @davidjohnolson, what is your advice to beginning teachers who want to integrate current events but do not know where to start or how it fits? #ElonEd#sschat
A3
It's tough in midterm elections because the enthusiasm isn't there (at a middle school level). BLM & MeToo are both incredibly important issues, but trying to work them into a 7th grade global studies course isn't easy.
#sschat
A3 we find that it is v possible to talk about these topics through careful planning, admin support and research that says we need to engage students on import issues. We've been creating #Kavanaugh resources for ex. since the start #sschathttps://t.co/dMaATHUtgw
A3: The proliferation of misinformation, viral deception, fake news -- whatever you want to call it -- has made teaching elections tremendously difficult in the age of social media. All the more reason to teach news literacy and Midterms TOGETHER #sschat
A3: this is so important to help youth navigate modern politics, and yet many states focus on the HISTORY of parties more than present day. Teacher knowledge & leadership is important on this. #sschat
A3: I think developing a basic understanding of political ideology and central ideas of political parties makes these questions meaningful. Understanding the values and beliefs of parties makes this approachable
#sschat
A3 Practice civil discourse in the classroom. Remind Ss to be respectful. Engage in inquiry looking at issue from multiple sides with @AllSidesNow and @procon_org#sschat
A3: We need to stress to our Ss that everyone can have different opinions and views and that's ok. Being aware of others is a step to tolerance and diversity, which is important now more than ever. Not accepting others' views is a step back. We have to keep talking #sschat
Unfortunately, I have not educated myself enough to make formal decisions on my views. Therefore, I rely a lot of my information from family. It is very important to create your own beliefs and not follow the crowd. This is what I am currently working on. #sschat#CCED336
I start every class by asking the same question - "What's going on in the world? What should we know?" It usually takes a few weeks but all classes come around and engage. Plan on 3-5 minutes most days - more if there is big news
#sschat
I try to make tangential references often whic brings in ongoing topics. Today we were looking at advcie and consent as ex of limited govt. I mentioned Kavanaugh but didnt spend the hour on it. Hope to build up understanding over time. #sschat
A3: We look at a lot of these topics from a larger than candidate perspective; a countrywide or global perspective when applicable. That's the nature of my World Geography course though. We discuss a lot of difficult topics throughout the year. #sschat
A3: The proliferation of misinformation, viral deception, fake news -- whatever you want to call it -- has made teaching elections tremendously difficult in the age of social media. All the more reason to teach news literacy and Midterms TOGETHER #sschat
It is important to be real and honest with students. It may be difficult but it is important in order for them to be active citizens. It helps them understand differences in opinion and helps them to think critically about who is in power. #sschat#CCED336
A3: The proliferation of misinformation, viral deception, fake news -- whatever you want to call it -- has made teaching elections tremendously difficult in the age of social media. All the more reason to teach news literacy and Midterms TOGETHER #sschat
I focus on civic discourse so I play the middle and encourage being informed, dialogue and time for reflection for them to process what they have heard and learned or disagree with #sschat
A3 @crfusa and @CSPANClassroom civil convo & deliberation resources. SM has affected- S: “Did you see what x said?” How SM and news impact public opinion. #sschat
A3) Have to lay ground rules/expectations for civil discussions and build into potentially emotional topics. Students can help establish those guidelines & hold each other accountable. #sschat
A3: I want the kids to express their voices in my civics class. I allow time to share opinions. We model how a civic conversation can be a civil discourse. This can difficult for adults, let alone teenagers.
https://t.co/5dbwMDw0Vo#sschat
A3. It is important to be honest with students about difficult topics because they effect us all. Teachers we must discuss with students that people will say/value things different from us, but that does not mean have to agree. We can disagree respectfully. #CCED336#sschat
A3- we read different viewpoints and have a @projectciv discussion, open to the community. Since I’m a librarian, we have these discussions at lunch. Pizza helps! #sschat
Agree but yet #2018midtermelections issues are just as exciting and important. I'm going to say this is a fake it til you make it thing #sschat we need to shift this thinking and get our schools excited for voting in big elections every 2 not 4 years
A3
It's tough in midterm elections because the enthusiasm isn't there (at a middle school level). BLM & MeToo are both incredibly important issues, but trying to work them into a 7th grade global studies course isn't easy.
#sschat
We just passed referenda in the past two years about higher alcohol levels in beer/spirits/wine and legalized medical marijuana so this is of high interest #sschat
A3: We spend a lot of time examining the grey. Splitting hairs, examining the rhetoric of quotes. What does that word choice mean compared to this other one. I look forward to getting my students to really dig in & CARDI B the news! #sschat
Try connecting local elections and candidates’ view points to your students. Once a student can create a connection between politics and their own life, I think they will become more interested. Make it about the student. #sschat#CCED336
Many of the resources being discussed about nonpartisan teaching about elections and voting are in one place for educators: https://t.co/5lKNelmEU3#sschat
A3 Agreed. And tomorrow is #newsengagmentday. Perfect time to discuss media literacy with students as a way to understand how tough topics are framed, especially around recent #2018midterms coverage. #sschat
A3: The proliferation of misinformation, viral deception, fake news -- whatever you want to call it -- has made teaching elections tremendously difficult in the age of social media. All the more reason to teach news literacy and Midterms TOGETHER #sschat
A3 If I may - the #educomix chat is Sunday at 7PM EST where we will be discussing using comics to build cultural understanding. Comics often give us an easier way in to tough conversations. Join us! . #sschat
Q4 is coming in just 1 minute...this may be a little unorthodox #sschat folks (and moderators LOL) and I know there's the archives, but I'm going to tweet highlights from this chat over the next week...and yeah, even until the midterms. Call me a rebel.
A3 extra) If Ss don't learn to civilly discuss difficult topics in our classes, when/where will they learn? And what will that mean for the future of our country? #sschat
A4. We've got a brand new game for high schoolers and adults available October 4th. Get ready to moderate your own news based social media site with #NewsFeedDefenders. Can you keep the integrity of the feed? #sschat#newsliteracy#medialiteracy
For the 2016 election, I had a pollster come out to talk to my students about polling - how it works, what it is and isn’t. I thought it was kinda cool. #sschat
A4. For media literacy to connect to civic engagement focusing on building youth voices through media creation is critical: https://t.co/GTffT46no1#sschat#22x20
Yes! Only about 20% of 18-29-year-olds voted in the 2014 election. That age group has said that candidate positions matter to them in voting - so they need more information about the issues. #sschat
A4 Ask question: From what perspective is this knowledge being shared? Then, how do you know it is true? Question habits are the key. Ss must be philosophers before they digest news. #sschat
A3 We ended out budget unit by writing our congressmen so that forced them to engage them w/ their opinion. Ss thought it was a waste of time so I stressed how Congress needs to hear from constituents #sschat
A4: This might be the toughest question yet...
I always ask students their source, and have done quite a bit of work looking at news sources and how to spot deceptive news - but it's definitely tough
#sschat
You keep still now as my Nana used to say...kidding of course. Youre so pumped about these things Chris, if you just told me even that, they'd be awe-struck about how democracy and voting in America affects you! #sschat
A4 I use a combinations of resources from @NewsLitProject to help Ss understand "zones of information" and @icivics lesson on propaganda to help Ss understand techniques that are used- we analyze current ads and mailers with what we have learned. https://t.co/k1gMIIHDOf#sschat
A4: Improve media literacy by using a topic students have hands-on experience with already. Our critical thinking seminar gives them criteria to evaluate the quality of information they're getting in the context of social media. https://t.co/HBlC2Et9VX#sschat
A4) Modeling and expecting Ss to use facts to support their claims and conclusions and that they corroborate that evidence from multiple sources. #sschat
A4: You have to mention bias. My Ss are online throughout PA, so I always mention how a newspaper in Pittsburgh vs. Philly would cover a Steelers-Eagles game. You must consider perspective! #sschat
A4. We've got a brand new game for high schoolers and adults available October 4th. Get ready to moderate your own news based social media site with #NewsFeedDefenders. Can you keep the integrity of the feed? #sschat#newsliteracy#medialiteracy
A4 Media is so powerful in elections.... Discuss roles (ex: horse race coverage), what stories covered, where placed, language and headings used. #sschat
A3 We ended out budget unit by writing our congressmen so that forced them to engage them w/ their opinion. Ss thought it was a waste of time so I stressed how Congress needs to hear from constituents #sschat
Always good for a laugh is https://t.co/nitmHI9eQ3
My favorite is when one of their stories gets picked up by the strange conspiracy theorist I went to HS with, and he posts it to social media proclaiming he was right about “them” all along. #sschat
A3: At the middle school level topics like #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter can be difficult but the concept of rights and fairness are universal at all levels and need to be taught #sschat
It is important to be real and honest with students. It may be difficult but it is important in order for them to be active citizens. It helps them understand differences in opinion and helps them to think critically about who is in power. #sschat#CCED336
A4 — Inised a fun game and then social media postings they were shared and faked - this then opened their eyes and we will continue through the year - comparing new sites and how they handle events, etc #sschat
a4 Read, discuss and use the approach in John H. McManus' Don't Be Fooled: A Citizen's Guide to News and Information in the Digital Age. https://t.co/ihmJmDsFci#sschat
A4: Whenever we focus on sourcing, we inevitably come to the conclusion that everyone has an opinion. It's impossible not to, so we work on filtering through the bias and try to look at the information that can be considered objective #sschat
Right now in world history we are talking about the French Revolution and the role activist and bathtub enthusiast Jean-Paul Marat had on the Revolution. #sschat
A3: A great resource for digital literacy is @KnowTheFlipSide. Once a week they aggregate news stories with different points of political views on the same topic. All digestible in 5 mins. Their goal bring people together by popping media bubbles and echo chambers. #sschat
A4 I try to use a variety of reliable sources in class, talk about what makes them reliable, ask what media they use, what platforms, and encourage them to consume media and ask questions of it #sschat
Teach students about how to analyze the source of news media. They need to look at the news for info but can’t do that if the news is biased. They need to think critically about where the news is coming before using it to make a decision. #sschat#CCED336
A4 By creating it. We're asking students to research how candidates in their community are addressing the #youthvote. Recently, a group of SRL teens worked on a piece about an amendment to change the voting age from 18 to 16 in #DC. #sschat#SRLYouthVotehttps://t.co/TDarEgjYHt
A4: In our attempts to mesh the #medialiteracy world with #civiced, we are putting together a Youth Media Creation Toolkit for Educators that will be out this week! #sschat
A4: I love using the Living Room Candidate campaign commercials to discuss how words, imagery, etc. are used to "sell" a candidate or "put down" another #sschat
We got another question coming up in a minute...be sure to include #sschat in all of your tweets and A5, A6, when you are answering a new question for the first time.
A4. Encourage and model to students what it means to think critically. Teachers must demonstrate to students how to recognize news that does not explain all sides of an issue. Ask questions like, “How do we know this is accurate?” #sschat#CCED336
I want to share one of the Teaching for Democracy Alliance orgs who couldn't make it but their work is unique and so strong around civics, that's @MikvaChallenge#sschat
A4: Teaching about fake news and bias. Look at fake images that circulate on the internet. Looking at the varying degrees something is portrayed. The need to fact check. #sschat
A4. For my middle school Ss, it's sometimes more age appropriate to bring past election media into the classroom and apply it to today. For example, the Living Room Candidate is a great resource for election media. https://t.co/RhvLEeYcrQhttps://t.co/vFezDhyQoZ#sschat
A4
First things first:
Next week, before delving into this completely, we're going to start distinguish between Fact, Opinion, Claim, Belief, and Falsehood/Lie/Mistake. I believe that it's more than a duality ... there are 5 types of statements.
#sschat
For my personally, I teach 7th. So, beginning to cultivate some sort of opinion on politics,is the first step. Getting the students to "care" is the first step. For me, any political thought is good thought. Once they see it's relevant, they can reflect deeper #sschat
A4) Media literacy is tough--many fairly savvy adults have been fooled, usually because of confirmation bias. @AmPress offers six questions that are good starting points for interrogating a source. Good place to start, but not enough! #sschathttps://t.co/lB2XYE3diW
A5: I'd love the public to understand that our goal as educators is to create engaged and thoughtful citizens - people who can have civil discussions and thoughtfully address the world's problems.
#sschat
A5: I want the public to understand that teaching about #Midterms is a critical part of the job of social studies teachers and should be supported! We are promoting informed and engaged citizenship to save our republic. You're welcome #sschat
A5 I am not here to indoctrinate. We do discuss controversial issues respectfully. It is a crazy time to teach gov & civics. Please model #GoodTrouble and #CivicLife by discussing at home & voting. #sschat
A5. I would like the public to know that I am teaching my students to be empathic, active citizens in our world. Social studies ed is more than teaching dates and facts. It is about teaching students how they can use their gifts and voice to better this world. #sschat#CCED336
A5: We are walking a tightrope between a rock & a hard place. We are human, and political creatures, and try as we might, we will never be able to live up to the ideal objective standard of others. We are trying our best to educate kids, not brainwash them in our image. #sschat
A5- I'd like the public to know that our job teaching gov't & civics is to both reinforce AND challenge students' thoughts & understandings. We are doing our jobs if students, in turn, ask one another and ask those around them (including adults): "Why?" And "Why not?" #sschat
I was really excited to register to vote in 1968, the year I turned 21. Unfortunately, my 21st birthday was 5 days after the general election. However my excitement carried over, and I have voted in every national, state and local election for which I was eligible since. #sschat
A5: That we have so much hope for these empathetic, kind humans that enter our classes daily. They are the future and we need to equip them with tough, but necessary knowledge. #sschat
Last 15 minutes--my suggestion: take 30 seconds to respond to another educator that you haven't tweeted/chatted with before. Twitter teacher relationships are so powerful and talk about civic engagement with a teacher from another school/state/subject etc. #sschat
A5 Agreed. Higher Ed is criticized for indoctrinating. Thats a separate issue. Many secondary ed are using the strategies here and valid resources to teach Ss process to be active citizens and NOT "just brainwashing" them. ##sschat
I think it's important for the public to understand simply how important voting in and of itself is amongst students. I think that so many student think something along the lines of: "why vote? It's not like my vote would make a difference." Every vote counts! #sschat
A5 We will be pre-registering their children and doing a voter registration drive at homecoming next Fri. I teach voting and elections as #CivicLife#GoodTrouble and part of their political efficacy- it doesn’t end once they graduate... it’s a verb & lifestyle.
#sschat
It's a little lengthy but there are good snippets found here from 2 White House correspondents on how they choose what news to elevate. #sschathttps://t.co/Z8dKjXgWdy
So great to see all these educators on #sschat sharing how they teach elections! Learning how to be informed voters is a skill students can use throughout their lives.
A5 The original civic mission of schools was to prepare young people for participation in democratic institutions. We must return to the core mission in partnerships with stakeholders in the community. #sschat
A5) Heard a great reminder from @settiwarren at @hgse#askwith tonight. Media outlets are trying to get content up as quickly as possible, and despite best efforts, sometimes make mistakes. Tell students to give stories some time. Check back for corrections and new info. #sschat
A5 I would like the public to know that when we talk about issues I want the focus to be on civility and polite discourse. Those to me are most important. while our job is to tch content, my focus is for students to respect one another in sharing opinions #sschat
A4) Heard a great reminder from @settiwarren at @hgse#askwith tonight. Media outlets are trying to get content up as quickly as possible, and despite best efforts, sometimes make mistakes. Tell students to give stories some time. Check back for corrections and new info. #sschat
I don't think so. Inferences are made by the receiver of the message, not its creator. Although, the creators of political ads and claims likely construct them in such a way that they will stimulate desired inferences, that can later be denied. #sschat
Last 15 minutes--my suggestion: take 30 seconds to respond to another educator that you haven't tweeted/chatted with before. Twitter teacher relationships are so powerful and talk about civic engagement with a teacher from another school/state/subject etc. #sschat
A5: I was talking to neighborhood kids the other day about high school. I asked if they liked their social studies classroom. “Nah,” was the chorus of responses. One asked, “Why don’t they teach us about what is going on today?” Our model is old and needs to change. #sschat
A5) That we are working to help Ss become thoughtful and engaged citizens. That we are not trying to indoctrinate their children but give them opportunities to develop their own civic consciousness and political opinions and perspectives. #sschat
So @ToddShriver may win the award for amazing Skype/video conferencing. Know that the #TeachingForDemocracy orgs would be thrilled to Skype w/ your class (this could be 1 way to show your school that Midterms Matter!) We'd learn lots too! So reach out #sschat Ts & principals!
There is no good reason why any Social Studies class doesn't build in connections to the present day. That is THE BEST way to actually get students to be interested.
#sschat
Bill I had a similar experience in the 2000 election! Always tell any of my seniors who are missing a big election that story to make them feel better. #sschat
In reply to
@classroomtools, @vicpasquantonio, @MikvaChallenge
Thanks for sharing this! I went to UNCG for a year as well. This was my first time teaching during a major election, so I'll definitely do some reflecting prior to 2020 for the best possible discourse! #sschat
In reply to
@dankrutka, @dmfouts, @UNCGSocStudies, @VisionsOfEd
Sorry that I'm only joining in now, #sschat! Joslyn here, from Ann Arbor, MI! I don't teach gov't, but I'm excited to see what I missed and what I can pick up and spread in my classes and with my colleagues
A6 You wanna get some civic pride flowing thru your school? You got 36 days. Contact candidates, prev politicians (who may have some time on their hands) and why not local leaders: mayor, city council-bring 'em in, and invite kids to ask Qs (invite parents too) #sschat
I have been thinking and researching A LOT about this the past few months.
When I realized that the fact vs opinion dichotomy was flawed, that helped me break through to figure out how we can teach this & debunk propaganda, fake news, etc.
#sschat
Well, the way you're saying it is the internal inference/processing of the receiver. I'm referring to statements people make. You can say "I'm hungry" but that is really a belief. I cannot verify your level of hunger any more than I can confirm the existence of god (or aliens)
A6: we conduct a mock election for students to become familiar with the voting process, during presidential elections I poll the class, I’ve had school wide debates #sschat
A6. Members of the Alliance are asking schools and districts to COMMIT to taking steps towards more high quality teaching about elections and voting. We even have a process... https://t.co/cB2GDdVpoY#sschat
A6) I helped connect with our local League of Women's Voters last spring to host a registration drive at school, and they have done some art contests to get students involved in promoting voting, too. #sschat
A6 Our History Club hosted Young Dems vs Young Repbs debates all run by the students which the admin allowed but agreed the initiative has to come from Ts. @vicpasquantonio calling us out to get something going! #sschat
A6 I teach the March Trilogy and I tell my kids that people literally died for their right to vote. Don’t you dare ignore their sacrifice and your right. #sschat
A6 Sadly we don’t have any school/district-wide programs about elections and voting. They share poll worker link with sites, but upon teacher to engage in action. #sschat
A6. Members of the Alliance are asking schools and districts to COMMIT to taking steps towards more high quality teaching about elections and voting. We even have a process... https://t.co/cB2GDdVpoY#sschat
Kids have responded really well to mock elections in the past. Usually works really well with presidential general elections and primaries. How many of you do this with midterms? #sschat
A6. The Teaching for Democracy Alliance has 6 core areas that are critical to a school committing to high quality teaching about elections and voting. How a school commits is up to them. See the rubric here: https://t.co/cB2GDdVpoY#sschat
#sschat We have had both our Indiana US Senators, Todd Young and Joe Donnelly speak with our Ss via Skype. Also, have had our 7th District State Senator Brian Buchanan speak with our Ss. Great way to talk about elections and issues.
Okay, 2 more minutes #sschat I'm always want to talk with teachers and school admin, students, parents, other civics orgs--please contact at vpasquantonio@newshour.org and check out Teaching for Democracy Alliance https://t.co/73mEqvok3w
A6 This is pretty cool because TN has a mock election for schools and we’re participating! Our Secretary of State, @SecTreHargett, even came to our mock election planning session last week. Don’t be afraid to invite people to your school! #SSChat
Yeah I mean, I hear you, but it is way different. Like anything it depends on the teacher they have and how much their school and community value social studies. #sschat
A6 Wisconsin as a state has instituted a policy that students must score at least a 65 on the US Citizenship Test to graduate.
I use @icivics curriculum to teach the about it and haven't had a student fail yet.
#sschat
