I S S U E S

There are main 5 challenges that confront those working to improve the quality and accessibility of civic education in the schools:

neither the federal government nor the states have made high-quality civics education a priority
social studies textbooks may not adequately convey the knowledge or facilitate the development of the skills required of an informed, engaged citizen
consequential differences in access and outcomes between upper- and lower-class students persist
cutbacks in funding for schools make implementation of changes in any area of the curriculum difficult
polarized political climates increase the likelihood that curricular changes will be cast as advancing a partisan agenda.

Civic Education

An effective civic education teaches children about their rights and responsibilities as citizens, as well as how government works. Civic knowledge stems directly from a child’s own experiences and ideas.

High-quality, engaged civic learning has the capacity to build relevance and engagement for students, reduce absenteeism and dropout rates, and support academic success. Many of the skills students learn through active civic learning - critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, communication, innovation and creativity - also play a critical role in college and career success

Civic Engagement

Civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference. It means promoting the quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.

Youth civic engagement activities and programs are critical for empowering young people to develop their skills and talents; participate in political, economic and social conversations; and to become agents of positive change in their communities.

Educational Disparities

Civic participation in the United States is disproportional, resulting in a “civic engagement gap” between socioeconomic, racial, and gender groups. Making A Village Radio wishes to embark on a mission to highlight those gaps and find ways to have action oriented, solution driven conversations.