#sschat Archive
#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.
Monday February 8, 2016
My name is Emma! I’m the new Chief Engagement Officer at . I love Win the White House!
. is Making Democracy Work by registering voters, hosting candidate debates & publishing voters' guides
The is happening now! Follow for all of 's answers about teaching elections!
Hi all! Leigh from AL- 7th grade Civics teacher
Hi! My name is Angela and I work w instructional technology in central NY
Hi, ! We are the Annenberg Learner team. Visit https://t.co/S493UwCRsO for free streaming of PD & classroom resources.
Joe Schmidt K-12 Social Studies Curriculum/Instruction. Love using to w/
Hi my name is Melissa Seideman, co-leader and gov teacher from Poughkeepsie NY.
Hi Jackie from CT: in addition to teaching AmGov I am a certified library media specialist and peer coach
The is happening now! We welcome your questions and tweets!
A1 Kymberli Wregglesworth HS Civics and HS Current Events
Chris from Illinois. World Geography teacher, but serious election nerd.
Kasey from Kansas here teaching 11-12 history/gov/econ. I am loving iCivics right now. So many great lessons and readings
is a nonprofit civic education organization that has been educating for democracy since 1971 with our DC-based programs
Matt Doran, Social Studies Coordinator, Columbus, OH... election of 1912.
Ken from Western Oregon Univ. teach social studies pedagogy in dollege of education
My name is Michael from MA. One of the co-mods. I've been enjoying the NYT Learning Network for their current events stuff.
My name is Michael from MA. One of the co-mods. I've been enjoying the NYT Learning Network for their current events stuff.
Rebecca Gauthier middle school world history and geography
Andrew, 8th gr. SocSt from Massachusetts -- iCivics has been great, and local news resources too
Hi Brittany, 6th grade teacher fron NJ, using a lot of news sites for the election
Kori, 8th Grade U.S. History in El Dorado, KS
Chris from Bloomington, IN. Teach world history for online HS. Like election coverage & resources.
Hi all! Emily from Tn. Middle Ages World History teacher--I don't have a fav. election resource & that's why I'm here to learn! :-)
Partner resources on new Teaching for Democracy site, all about support for teaching elxns & voting https://t.co/5glKrFqPua
Thanks for joining us tonight !
AIntro: Democracy in America, Elections: The Maintenance of Democracy is our favorite for high school: https://t.co/WE5LsTf4PI
I’m studying social media in w/ . learning about Twitter chat. This is my first time participating with this chat
Hello! Joanne from Missouri. I teach 7th world history and 11th mod. global issues.
A1: David Olson - I teach AP Gov in Madison, WI. has great resources - like "Win the White House"
Dan Fouts AP government/philosophy teacher... Chicagoland area
I don't teach, I drive for Fedex, but I'm just a fan of history teachers and history in general.
Wait....are all of the co-mods here at the same time? We must be launching our new site & all hands on deck. https://t.co/cCs3mGOZ0v
always a pleasure! THanks for joining us!
There's a bonus question floating around the chat! Please answer using and "BQ" at any point during the hour https://t.co/Wx52MZND7d
Hi just getting here from my son's (8th grade) parent teacher conference. Need my blood pressure to come down.
Hi ! We are the iCivics Ohio team, a joint initiative between and the Capitol Square Foundation.
Joining from Colorado for a discussion of teaching elections. Looking forward to sharing and snagging resources.
A1 Jay Peledge, teach on . Been using , , and videos often to cover election 2016.
Dana from NH on the eve of a very exciting primary in our small state
Damien, from PA jumping into tonight.
BQ Getting kids riled up enough to be running to vote as soon as they turn 18!
Are the students excited?
BQ: as I tell my AmGov S's; the most important outcome of the course is their preparedness to be an active citizen
BQ: I think it means that we have to help students understand how important their participation is and
Hi Emily from NY - 11th and 12th grade. US history, gov and econ. Relying a lot on various news sources this year.
BQ: how they can find information about the candidates that is unbiased and true!
and making sure they know how much they can be involved even before turning 18
Is a push to create informed voters who understand the process & topics (& seek to learn what they don't know?
means being an informed citizen to engage in our republic, a core civic responsibility!
Phil from Sarasota. Currently teaching 6-8 Civics. . I have missed a few weeks, so I am glad to be able to sit in.
Great point! I did volunteer work during HS and it was very meaningful and shaped my interests as an adult
, Tech coach prepping PD for Soc Stud teachers. Waiting for one to finishing eating his pasta . Love Ss skyped with them!
BQ Before you can be a global citizen you have to be a national/state/community citizen. This should be important to all SS contents
BQ: getting Ss to act, think & analyze critically
Welcome back. Great chat to jump in. There's a bonus question floating around too!
A1: Campaigns tend to ignore young people. They neither speak to them nor target them
BQ Democracy requires participation to work. Education necessary for responsible participation.
Much of my education came from my home environment, too little is provided at school for fear of being biased
BQ:It means modeling objective thinking&teaching Ss to find their voice..& to be confident!No wrong answers unless can't back it up.
A1: My students have this notion that their voice doesn’t matter. I like that this election has excited a lot of them.
BQ: having students being informed about what is happening around them in the world and learning to have real and genuine opinions
A1:They don't know where/when/how and feel like their opinions are not valued. Self-fulfilling prophecy!
A1 Thinking for themselves. So many MS Ss just parrot what they hear at home.
Parents are key in cultivating educated citizens too!
Hi ! Amy from Phoenix. 7/8th social studies teacher.
BQ: to move the needle on the problem of low civic engagement in the US. Give Ss tools in their toolbox to take w them through life.
A1: Students may not know how to sign up, or don't identify with issues and concerns discussed by candidates.
A1: Info from research & practitioners suggests that young people sometimes need basic information such as how, when &where
A1 I think the biggest challenge is sifting through all the information. What is authentic, accurate, reliable?
This election has so much that's new and unheard of! Would be a letdown for them to know it's not always like this!
Students need to understand the process and what they need to register.
BQ means that Ss know all the ways they can be involved in their government and start before they're 18
A1 I think they feel the electoral college is unfair and wish it was a true democratic vote.
A1a: like all of us, getting unbiased facts about issues and candidates
For local & state elections, check out your state & local League of Women voters sites.
I'd say age is a major factor in the youth not voting. The voting rate among the 17 and under crowd is abysmal.
Q1A. is in the chat!!!
What challenges do you think young people face when it comes to voting?
I'm a Teacher to be and here to pull new resources and information for my future.
A1 Young ppl are challenged in becoming informed, feeling relevant, and being allowed to vote. Must make civic learning a priority.
Both Jefferson & Washington thought the purpose of public schools should be so we'd have an informed citizenry
Every year someone asks why the popular vote doesn't decide the outcome
Very good point! Diversity of thought is critical to informed citizenship
A1- Challenge. Kids have to understand that making campaign promises and governing are distinctly different endeavors!
A1: finding credible sources of information besides what they hear floating around them, especially on social media
that doesn't make me feel better. I was hoping that by HS they thought for themselves.
Back to basics . Registering to vote. Precincts. Absentee ballots. Sometimes a complicated process.
A1A: Feeling like their voice & vote actually counts. Ts must help Ss overcome disappoint when cause Ss work for lost
A1-I think the more people know, the more efficacy they feel they have that’s why is so important
Relevancy is important. Youth may not see voting as a big deal because they don't see how it impacts their lives.
A1 There has been a focus on STEM in the past years, 2 the detriment of humanities & esp. social studies!
A1: Need to be informed about how to register, where to go, why the issues are relevant and feel empowered to use their voice
That's why we teach ss, isn't it?
Welcome! Glad you could join us!
This is a big thing. In a state where you're not part of the majority, you do feel like your vote is wasted. https://t.co/N9CcH4jASZ
A1 I think they feel the electoral college is unfair and wish it was a true democratic vote.
A1 Young people indicate that their voices aren’t being heard on significant political and policy issues
A1: Heave influence of what others are doing like celebs. If Kim Kardashian is voting for someone then they will too.
they are always looking to see what others are doing Ps, Ts, other Ss. If only we could get them to think for themselves
A1 Peer pressure from EVERYONE to think a certain way-family, friends, relig groups, even teachers/the school system
A1: We need to make the case to our students that, en masse, they can make a real impact on the end result
Q1a: biggest issue may be gaining all information from commercials/social media
BQ: it means to provide them with information in an unbiased manner so that they can learn from a young age to think for themselves
A1A Young people et al getting greater sense most votes don't matter. Teach them "gerrymandering" and it's hard to argue with them.
A1: a challenge maybe having Ss overcome the distance of how the government may feel to them; thus no point in voting.
That is why it is so important that voting not be the only means of participation they learn
A1: thinking for themselves about issues requires self discovery. Too often students take views of parents
Please do and share with us so we can RT!
A1 Research shows that if students are from communities with low civic engagement levels they are less likely to be involved
A1:Not all young ppl are exposed to high qual civic learning opps incl. being taught abt elections/voting https://t.co/Do9TMHxhjv
I remember my first vote. I just turned 18 & there was a school board election. I followed the election & excitedly cast my ballot!
A1 As a voter in a city where my party is rarely even on the ballot in local elections, I understand not being heard.
Your state may work with your Sec of State to run mock elections for students just before primaries & general.
A1: I offer Extra Credit to students who work at the polls and write about their exp. The county clerk is always eager for workers.
A2B I register all my seniors to vote. In NY as long as they turn 18 that calendar year you can register early.
Some of my students who are 18 were just nervous about the process. I am starting to see the importance of mock elections
A1B: I have voter reg forms and help students fill them out. I make myself a resource for them after grad
A1: They need to vote for the person who best represents what they believe in.
I'm sure I was the same way 30 years ago. Frustrating though.
A1: do they feel their voice doesn't matter because they don't live in a swing state?
AH! Now school boards DO impact them... going to meetings, interviewing those candidates is meaningful! start local...
great point. We are living in an age where it is becoming increasingly difficult to sort out what's true online
Great point-they need that experience
how do argue their point that their one vote won’t make a difference? I get this a lot.
A1: being away at college and having to deal with absentee ballots!
Yes! So many ways to be involved year round and in every state! And before you're 18
Ever run into probs w parents not liking that "self discovery"? That Ss could end up w diff views from Ps? https://t.co/Ny4sMArfx3
A1: thinking for themselves about issues requires self discovery. Too often students take views of parents
Educators can create a dialogue about the election (first establishing classroom discussion norms) seeking to go beyond soundbites.
Great incentives to get them actually involved in their local community!
A1B: extra credit for attending school board, city council, twp board, etc meetings for civics Ss
A1B I encourage Ss to go with parents to vote. I add a little guilt about how people in other countries are dying(literally)to vote
I was among the first 18 yr olds to vote in the 1972 presidential election.
A1: I think students are keen to undemocratic aspects of our process (e.g., Citizens United, 2 Party system) & are turned off...
yes. I think this is why civic action projects are important where Ss can exp process & expvoice being heard (win or lose)
We've been trying to do more with local government with our middle schools.
A1B There needs to be time given to discuss issues in SS classrooms of all contents & levels. But none of us have time to do it.
A1: In most states it's easy for citizens to be certified to register voters. Do it at your school.
I always go over their options for next year with my seniors
Check out Close Up's Teach the Vote lesson plan for teachers: https://t.co/b6TcXOmO9x https://t.co/vP073PXX4H
A1: Info from research & practitioners suggests that young people sometimes need basic information such as how, when &where
A1 They have trouble getting information and sifting through verbiage. Get caught up in media sideshow. Hard not to be cynical.
National issues play out locally & S's can take part & take stands. Do businesses in their community allow open carry? Big issue!
A1B civic action projects where Ss experience process & experience having their voice being heard (win or lose)
A2: OMG, teaching elections and voting IS THE BEST! It’s like the whole country is supporting your lesson plan
1b: Educators can help students find outlets for their preferred activities or amplify their voice through social media.
Our local govt curric in NY required Ss to go to one town board and one school board mtg. Great exp.
A1 It's not a habit. Not something they're used to doing, like checking Snapchat. They are also uneducated about issues/candidates
A2: the relevance - Ss love feeling connected to the larger conversation and voicing their opinion
I turned 21 a week after 1968 general election. So disappointed, I've not missed a chance to vote since.
Q1B I walk my seniors through the process. Show sample ballots precincts & some even work the polls.
A2: Ss are engaged b/c its all they see on the news. Ppl are talking about it & they can show off knowledge
Q1B: I wonder if we spent more time teaching Ss about local gvt & its impact on their lives, then go up to Nat govt.
A2: It’s empowering to teach ab elections when you see Ss interesting & engaged and walk in talking about what they saw on the news
Love this topic in tonight's ! Looking forward to reading everyone's tweets after I make supper..Bring on the Super Bowl leftovers:-)
A1 - I think it's important for teachers of younger students, like me, to convey the privilege we have to be part of the process
A2 There's new material to draw from EVERY day, it's learning in real time & this yr esp, you can't predict what will happen next
Always emph fact that people in S. Africa stood in line for hours & DAYS to vote in 1994.
A2 Election season is the ultimate role-play, simulation, reality show. Ss want to be engaged if we allow them
A2: Students buy in right away because there is always SOME issue they find interesting.
A1: Unlike the UK there is a lack of school & curricular focus on "political literacy" focusing on tactics, strategies & engagement
Jumping into our 1st Twitter chat with a group of pre-service teachers from Canada. Just had Canadian Fed election in November
A2:Research shws teaching youth abt politics&elections is related to higher levels of political knowledge https://t.co/lf7y0tAAMm
Great election worth mentioning to them. Unfortunately global awareness is something we need to work on.
A2 It is a great way to get kids to be critical thinkers about issues and critical consumers of media.
A2 Getting Ss to realize it's the greatest perk in our republic and that we CAN be involved despite pessimism. Rejuvenates me too.
Knowing that the work we do informs, inspires, and empowers young ppl to exercise their rights, incl. voting
A1B Encourage them to register to vote. Get them excited about elections. Inform them of candidates and the process.
Show off in and out of classroom - parents are impressed when kids can answer their questions!
A2: Teaching about elections and voting empowers students to own their citizenship, to seek information and make informed decisions.
A2: encouraging Ss gain tools to see thru fallacies, critically analyze the process. Helping Ss become critical civics consumers!
Welcome to ! Thanks for joining tonight!
I'm an entrepreneur deeply interested in the future of my nation. The is something we should all be tuning in for. Happening now.
A2 The currency of it. You can watch it all happen right before your eyes and ears. Waxing poetic.
Great point-do you talk about elections in other countries in your classes?
A2: Their vote can make a difference! Other countries where a democracy does not exist would love the same opportunity.
One student has taken over my whiteboard wall for political cartoons about election. Conversation starter every day.
A2: I actually found high school students far more open-minded overall than adults which led to rewarding & honest dialogues for me.
A2 Watching & learning about the election process helps students appreciate their liberties & freedoms in America
It is authentic. I find that once you set up protocol calls for discussing issues, Ss have high level discussions about candidates
We enjoy working with teachers to better teach elections and the importance of voting to their students
A2: High school students loved checking polls everyday leading up to Cdn election...constant changes this year were exciting
A2 Students don't have to ask how gov class relates to real world, they can see it everywhere. Primaries. Debates. Elections.
Yes - Iraq & Afghanistan & the purple ink, how totalitarian govts had elections but w/out real choice.
A2: Students find that they are not alone in carrying for issues & they can join/engage others in alliances to solve social problems
In 6th I generally talk about other countries/historical examples with dictatorships & corrupt gvts
Thats So important to students! https://t.co/orcHngk0AG
A2: Students buy in right away because there is always SOME issue they find interesting.
Used PBS "Immigration Battle" to teach abt immigration but also political process - showed how things get done & not done in DC.
A2: S's can dig into issues from different points of view around the nation; use regional editorials to compare perspectives
A2: When Ss are excited about an election/issue and get involved on their own time
It's exciting when Ss can justify their opinions about who to vote for instead of rattling off info from political ads or parents
Social Studies becomes very interesting to students when the party they don't support is leading in the polls. Great "what it ?s"
A2: And when they come to class with Qs because they're following the news each day
Shout out 2 for other election resources including my Ss fav mock Const'l Convention activity.
This. My bellringers in my classes often consisted of discussing news clips from that morning. https://t.co/CkqjnW8tHE
A2 Students don't have to ask how gov class relates to real world, they can see it everywhere. Primaries. Debates. Elections.
This is really cool! Don't forget to take a pic and share on Twitter tagging it with ""
A2 the expansion of the vote over time, from aristocrats to virtually all citizens. And then attempts to re-restrict them.
A2 Find that their passion is shared by others & that their voice really can make a difference especially by joining others
Indeed! Civility is key. https://t.co/WqXGEaJm1u
It is authentic. I find that once you set up protocol calls for discussing issues, Ss have high level discussions about candidates
May have one to share. Other kids hang out with him after school him ideas.
That is awesome! And Ss always can use extra practice interpreting political cartoons.
And what people did in the US to secure the right!
Some great ideas Cobb teachers. Join https://t.co/W1tJtucis2
This. My bellringers in my classes often consisted of discussing news clips from that morning. https://t.co/CkqjnW8tHE
A2 Students don't have to ask how gov class relates to real world, they can see it everywhere. Primaries. Debates. Elections.
Yes! Ss utilizing the art of asking Qs is so important! Elections are one of the best ways to empower Ss to do this
especially in their local government. We tend to forget how important our local gov't is!
I think about the fight for women's right to vote and it motivates me!
I used to get so many ideas listening to the news on the way to school each day
I have some great political cartoons from New Hampshire primary history. Will post shortly.
A3: Folks who [wrongly] think that teaching about elections is political/partisan indoctrination.
Yes! Def discuss British women's suffrage movemt w/ Ss (Mary Poppins scene & more)
A3 Confusing at times when mock election programs are artificial rather than real hard to see that their vote really matters
Great! Those would make for excellent discussion and inspiration.
Interesting that we need to educate students on the importance of participating in a democracy!
Yes Yes Yes! I have gotten this from parents and "concerned" citizens many times
Great point! And with things like NC's ID laws being challenged in court - very timely.
Oh, so the student is DRAWING his own cartoons? That's fantastic! I did that for our college paper.
Mary Poppins is a great example!
I think the key to getting to the Ss is finding the issues they care about locally and globally rather than what politician is best
Isn't that the point of a social studies education? We prepare Ss for citizenship.
My Ss bring this up too - esp. the force feeding of the suffragettes
A2: I enjoy teaching abt elections to discuss political parties & their differences &, believe it or not the electoral college.
A3 Students find it interesting that local politicians more likely to visit school during election year rather then other times
His current one has all of the candidates, but I don't have a picture of it yet.
A3: Difficult to have an open conversation when some students are aggressively passionate about one candidate=others afraid!
A3: Trying to show both sides to a candidate or issue!
I have them read primary source describing the force feedings. Shudder.
I love it. I have some lesson plans that have Ss drawing political cartoons, but him doing it on his own? Sweet.
Exactly... https://t.co/HsvT5ObcJ7
Isn't that the point of a social studies education? We prepare Ss for citizenship.
A3 Leaving personal views out of it, engaging the apathetic students with apathetic parents
A3: I live in a politically homogenous area. It's tough to ensure balance of ideas in the classroom.
one candidate in particular....?
A3:Survey of civics&govt Ts found 25% agreed parents/other adults would object to discussion about politics https://t.co/87Z4GzUlhg
A3 Time is always a problem. Double with big elections every 4 years. It changes the timing of other lessons if not done each year.
Uggggggh just when I was loving I need to go be a "parent."
Bye.
*sulks*
A3 Biggest challenge to teaching process is finding time to talk abt it each day - teaching process as it unfolds.
A3 Explaining the Electoral College. They always ask, "Why?"
A1 Ss are not prepared for the entire ballot. Teachers can use local candidate info and examples for more discussion.
very important to painting a full picture!
A3 that fine line between giving both sides while teaching source credibility
That can be a huge challenge for teachers, but necessary for students!
A3 Other challenge is to get kids to see that getting elected is only the first step toward making any meaningful change.
Great observation on their part. And, sadly, so true.
A3: Not situating elections within an ongoing political and historical context keeps students disengaged.
A3: >80% of civics & govt Ts we surveyed interested in more resources to teach topics like media literacy https://t.co/87Z4GzUlhg
A3: Campaign finance laws/reforms are integral to elections, but they seem abstract for students who need help connecting dots.
Or even more than two sides.
How about 3rd party candidates and issues?
While I was in a faculty meeting. I went back to my classroom to get my stuff and it was done!
A3: Overcoming apathy is tough - children of poverty have learned they don't matter :(
. The funny part is my students end up with no idea what my political views are...
BQ puts an emphasis on prepring students to become responsible citizens and participate in elections.
A4 Adults can share experiences & feelings about their political activities & stress importance for each generation to be engaged
It is necessary, how to do it without some getting the impression of indoctrination?
Ss coming in with no prior knowledge is tough, we do a lot of basics even in 10th grade, but this makes learning very rewarding
I would say the same applies. Maybe better wording than "both sides" is "various sides"
A3 I wonder if Ss understand the need to have such a long drawn out campaign or the way debates are conducted
Diana Hess: people are more likely to live in polarized communities & this affects what schools can teach https://t.co/7sAXxxCDOG
Truthfully - I even have trouble with that!
Or maybe they are right to question it... Canada makes a nice comparison for discussion
this is a good point... maybe has a resource?
that is the best! I love when they debate my party affiliation!
Giving Ss opportunity to explore where all candidates stand on certain issues should help.
I try to focus on being able to articulate the views of all - and preface that students DO NOT NEED TO AGREE.
Teaching kids abt impact of third party candidates even when they don't win is important.
A3- different layers of process requires tons of time. Managing tension is another as it builds when certain values offend others.
A3 Explaining the primary versus the general election - and nonpartisan races - makes it confusing.
Which begs the question - why is it so complicated? Whose interests does the system serve?
Unfortunately this comes from adults' negative views about politics in general
A4: Ps and Admins can get out of the way! Their support helps - their participation in my room is even better!
A4: Just tell teachers, “I support you.” And then handle any potential complaints if they arise
This is so important for administrators to say
A3-It's hard to convey that 'selling yourself' is an essential part of politics. I tell kids it's like interviewing for a job.
A4: Ps and Admins have 2 understand that I want my Ss to B informed and educated - I'm not out to indoctrinate
Ss want to discuss controversial topics. I require students to support their positions w/ evidence so discussions stay productive
YES!Q 6 weeks to campaign; elections called by PM or Parliament; if not called w/in 5 yrs then automatically happen
A4 Turn on the news for kids, engage them in political convo, show them how you the parents are effected by politics/gvt i.e. taxes
Yes, they do! And they want to do so in a safe space w/ some groundrules & expectations. Often only place they can.
A4 Allow room for Ss to think differently than their parents/community. Also allow them to change their minds as needed.
we discuss voter apathy w comparison to other countries. Brainstorm ways to increase turnout
A4 Trust Ts & have their back professionally if parents don't like Ts showing Ss how to critically analyze election process
Q4 Ps should be providing base knowledge as unbaised as possible and Admin should be allowing Ts the resources needed
A4-- Admin must not be afraid to invite candidates into the school to speak (for fear of perceived political bias)
A4: By leaving their personal opinion at the door and allowing for both sides to be seen.
A4 Trusting us - we are about education, not indoctrination. Unless there is evidence to the contrary, don't assume an agenda.
A little encouragement goes a long way!
A4:Parents that allow opinions/disagreements have youth w/ higher electoral engagement &political knowledge https://t.co/Do9TMHxhjv
A4 's Teach the Vote lesson plan has ideas to involve parents in teaching importance of elections https://t.co/b6TcXO5dhZ
A4: Government/civics classes could host community forums to register & inform voters; Admin & parents could support their efforts.
A4 Ps can support by talking with Ss about elections. Have kids explain electoral process to them, bc most adults don't even know!
A4: admin can hlp organize Schl elections, bring in representatives from both parties. parents can hold discussion with Ss on topics
A4 Ground Rules: Treating each other with respect and civility.
Yes & helps them see that changing mind based on new info or new interpretation is not "flip flopping."
I love the idea of more community connections
I'm actually blushing. Thanks! It's all about sharing resources!
A4 cont: Students should be able to make their own decision on who to support without outside influences.
Sounds like a potential PBL lesson in the works.
A4: Support Ss participation outside of the classroom
Love the topic & discussion! But, it's that time I have to take my daughter to ballet. Thanks !!
Personally we have had lively family discussions so I would say Ss need practice expressing themselves in a constructive fashion
educations should support agency! And agency creates action...
is part of the mission of schools!
A4: Just knowing that administration has your back is clutch!
A4 Our department is currently writing an election curriculum with full administration support.
maybe have Ss research candidates & their platforms. Invite Ps to presentation so Ps can learn from Ss
A4 A’s not worried about hearing parent complaints because you know it’s going to happen no matter what. Trust the teacher
A4: In my experience, Admin usually listens when Ss advocate for thmslvs. Ideas for participation and speakers should come from Ss
A4:Schools should use assessment systems that rewards students’ discussion on current issues https://t.co/lf7y0tAAMm
A4 Parents can help Ss find their own political voice. Kids don't always see the world exactly as their parents do.
Thanks for joining us! Enjoy ballet! Keep sharing ideas after tonight tagging ""!
AGENCY - that is the key; once an S's has it, there is no stopping him/her! Applies to all parts of life & goals
A4: In particular, voters are often least informed on local issues so gov't/civics students could help community be more informed.
A4-parents can support by talking through issues/values with their children. Let them in on their own political involvement
This is a great idea-civic engagement while providing a service to the community
Wow... great idea . Parents rarely get the opp to learn from their kids!
https://t.co/qgUPFy5Xnt
maybe have Ss research candidates & their platforms. Invite Ps to presentation so Ps can learn from Ss
How cool if S's had columns in local paper; share with community what they know, need, believe...
A4 Admins & school boards can make board policy that supports such discussions and provide PD that empowers teachers to do so.
. just about elections also being involved in leg process we use
A4 Admin can support teachers by building in time for planned activities/events. Parents by tuning in to issues/news and discussing.
That is where connecting with your local can be really helpful.
BQ means strengthening our starting with and
A4 On one hand I want permission to stop normal SS curriculum to do this, but on the other hand all SS Contents are necessary.
Elections are such great opportunity for cross-curric work as well - math & polls, Eng & writing letters to ed, science & env policy
A4 Much support at my school. Example: Mock election for Governor lead to a debate broadcast live. https://t.co/EIpylDYs8o
A4: Also, just having a school vote for president doesn't really get at the difficult work of democracy; Not bad, but not enough.
A5: That “getting in the game” is super easy and that it matters
Q5: Hope they understand how participation can affect outcomes. Get excited abt their chance 2 vote 4 real
A4 works with teachers on its programs to provide high quality PD on how to teach elections https://t.co/7DiTtd4F1P
Have to leave for dinner. Love the topic and the discussion. A great way to spend a Monday night. good night
A4 We have created alliances with and other local gov groups to students build social capital and create community support
BQ
grow empathy, agency, urgency... I must participate because I can help
It also would be great if other contents discussed the election in some form. Math can look at polls, LA can look at speaking...
Thanks for the shoutout! :)
A5:Research shows students who recall having received better civic educ are more likely to be engaged https://t.co/c7BjWX8IkH
Screaming toddler and dad can't figure it out - gtg!
A5 If Ss have a better understanding of the process, of their beliefs, and that they matter, that is 3X win!!
A5 I think more sustained conversation is what will have longer impact than single lesson or game. Needs to be part of daily life.
A5: Ss need to know the basic process, but also some strategy. Essential for APGOV concepts
I would hope they would gain the confidence to have their own opinions
thanks for joining us! Don't forget to keep the discussion going using ""
A5: Students must understand that democracy is messy, and it isn't always democratic. The system must constantly be tended to.
A5 I hope Ss find their political voice and take action!
A5 A desire to learn more about the process or the topic - hopefully they want to get involved beyond the game
I want lessons or games that push students to support their thinking.
A5 We want conversations to continue. We need to model civic engagement and active citizenship.
Glad youth hockey season left me this --it's been too long and this was a great one. Thanks, , for all that you give us Ts!
A5: Civic participation is essential to a democracy. It is within their reach if they participate
A5 Just to get them thinking about their role in the government. Hoping they will vote or run for office and lead in the future.
A5:Civic skills include communication skills, democratic deliberation & critical analysis of political info https://t.co/cIY4phWXaW
if we honestly want to reach Ss why is there not an app or interactive social site dealing with politics that will get them involved
YES! when we look at Arab spring & ask what happened? must remember we are also a work in progress, more perfect union
our pleasure!
We want to keep this discussion going on through November!
A5 We all hope the engagement of the lesson extends to the real thing.
Q5 This culturally responsive teaching; giving experience to students who are often left behind in the civic education gap
And that opting out is a cop out.
Great question. Another PBL lesson just waiting to be made.
Me too! Thx to the team too for all you do for us Ts!
Join us tomorrow night at 9pm ET/8pm CT to talk writing notebooks - paper/tech/ALL!
Q5 Civic/political knowledge, skills & dispositions that connect their interests to school & communities developing engaging habits
A5 The future of our republic depends on our young people understanding and embracing this privilege to shape our government.
A5 Politics dont have to be scary, appreciation of the right to vote & ability be involved
you mean more thank I like him because I do?
great way of saying it: culturally responsive... and sensitive, and responsible... all voices matter
You're welcome! I had Ss watch various ads and research who was funding them. Worked well
Elections often get mired in stupid things like Rubio's boots. I want to push students to wade through the BS and get to the issues.
A5 The hope that students find the election process as exciting as teachers.
Q5 Desire to run for office at first eligibility along with registering & voting
I think Ss are already too aware of this so we should focus on what we can do and the parts that typically go right.
Special thanks to and friends for a great chat! Archives will be up shortly.
Just added feed to my FB recently. Easy, accessible, helpful. Thanks!
A5: more than students, elected leaders & government officials need to understand that government is messy
that's fantastic! So much can be taught from some of these speeches!
A6: I think simulations, be they physical or digital, are the best way to make elections real for students
A5: That their voice matters, that they need to listen to others and together we need to figure out how to run this country
And those running for office need to know that electorate knows & understand this. Stop the "easy fixes."
A6 holds a mock presidential election, complete with primaries, on our Program for New Americans
thanks Everyone, truly enjoyed my first time here. I’ll be back!
. & thanks for timely discussion. And thanks to all the great ideas shared. Hope to meet up next week w u all - aloha.
ABQ: Civic mindedness is not something you are born with-the knowledge,skills & dispositions must be learned and practiced
Q6 Need school climate = engaging, democratic, equitable & safe for critical civic/political discussions & support diverse opinions
We will be integrating it K-12 in our current courses.
Hey feel free to join tomorrow night at 9 Eastern for a chat on !
A6: After AP test, I have my Ss run a mock Senate race w/soc med, ads, debates, etc. They demonstrate what they learned all sem
. and Thanks for hosting a great and important chat! Keep rocking our socks off!
