The workings of our democracy can be confusing to anyone, especially in today's political climate. Do young people get exposed to politics and government in school? We talk with educators to find out what Maine students learn about civics, and whether schools promote teaching about more controversial issues.
Guests
Kenneth C. Davis, historian, best-selling author of the “Don’t Know Much About History” series; he has made it his mission for 30 years to make history accessible and more widely understood
Joe Schmidt, social studies content specialist, Maine Department of Education
Claire Holman, junior, Maranacook Community High School
Shane Gower, social studies teacher, Maranacook Community High School; board member, Maine Council for the Social Studies
Garrett Martin, social studies teacher, Fort Fairfield Middle/High School
Resources
- Democracy Is Not a Spectator Sport: The Role of Social Studies in Safeguarding the Republic
- Schools Are Undermining Our Democracy By Not Teaching Civics
- The need for civic education in 21st-century schools
- Lawmakers Hope To Boost Civics Education In N.H. Schools
- ‘It’s gotten nasty’: Clash over racial equity work roils Cumberland
- School District faces ongoing criticism over ban on Black Lives Matter in classrooms
- iCivics.org
- "Don't Know Much" For Educators and Librarians
