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Teaching Civics in an Uncivil Age
The U.S. presidential election is a month away, and it has all the makings of a watershed event in American politics, with an African American presidential candidate in one major party and a woman vice presidential candidate in the other. How do social studies, history, and civics teachers take advantage of these historic times to underscore the importance of civic understanding and participation to their students?
This issue of Express features civic education experts who outline practical classroom approaches that use local and national politics and community issues to drive home the lessons of a vibrant civic life—one in which students can already play a part.
Combating the Civic Achievement Gap
Significantly more rich people than
poor people vote in local and national elections. However, according to Meira Levinson, the socioeconomic divide in civic life—which begins with school civics—can and must be overcome. more 
Nurturing Democratic Thinkers
Participating in a democracy takes more than voting and watching political talking heads on TV. Civic educators offer approaches for promoting thoughtful classroom discussion and civil discourse about the current election and issues of the day. more
Civic Virtue in Schools
Concerned with students' lack of interest in voting, educators are taking steps to reinforce the importance of civic duty. Some are throwing out the textbooks and teaching students how to contribute to a democratic society through firsthand experience: electing student governments and working with local officials. They also suggest that teachers lead by example by questioning authority themselves. more
Making History Hit
Close to Home
Getting students to find connections between the history they study in books and their own lives helps them understand the importance of government.
watch the video
 Constitutional Moments in the Classroom
As a high schooler, Donna T. Paoletti Phillips thought that anarchy would be great—until her civics teacher took her up on the idea. more
The Unfinished Revolution: Learning, Human Behavior, Community, and Political Paradox
With a global perspective, John Abbott and Terry Ryan explain in their book how the rise of democratic societies and intertwined economies are changing the way we teach—for the better. The 21st century, they say, presents a historic turning point in educational practice around the world.
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