Civics
Social Studies
From Our Research Center
Civics Is Getting Harder to Teach, Principals Say
School leaders says they advise teachers to avoid certain topics to fend off complaints from parents.
Social Studies
In Their Own Words
Teaching Presidential Elections Isn't Easy. How One Teacher Manages
Shari Conditt teaches her students about electoral processes through current events including presidential elections.
Social Studies
How Teachers Tackle 2024 Election Discussions
The 2024 presidential election offers an opportunity to grow civic engagement, teachers say.
School & District Management
Opinion
Schools Can’t Cure Polarization. Here’s How They Survive It
To avoid controversy, many educators have learned to sidestep contentious topics. That’s understandable—and wrong.
Curriculum
Opinion
There’s a Better Way to Teach Digital Citizenship
Many popular resources for digital-citizenship education only focus on good online behavior. That’s a problem.
Social Studies
Opinion
How Can Civics Education Safeguard Democracy?
The purpose of civics education must be about more than just getting students to vote.
Teaching
Opinion
Don't Ignore Polarization in Classroom Election Discussions
Down-ballot races, not just the presidential one, offer robust learning opportunities from math to maps.
Social Studies
Teaching the 2024 Election: Learning Opportunity or Landmine?
As the presidential campaign heats up and school starts soon, social studies teachers weigh in on whether and how to cover it in class.
Teaching
Opinion
Strategies for Teaching the 2024 Election (Hold on to Your Hat)
Even before entering into the content, craft agreements with students on the boundaries of what's up—and what's not up—for debate.
Student Well-Being
Opinion
What Does the Dangerous Political Climate Mean for Schools?
Educators and researchers offer advice for navigating political polarization in the classroom.
Social Studies
Opinion
Mister Rogers Showed Me How to Teach Civics
Learning civics can begin in kindergarten with the simple understanding that we are all part of a community. Here’s what that looks like.
Policy & Politics
Opinion
The Policy Concerns That Keep Teachers Up at Night
Efforts are spreading to restrict what topics are allowed to be taught. There are ways teachers can resist the censorship.
Social Studies
Help Students Register to Vote, Education Department Urges Schools
Schools and universities can help get students registered to vote and help adolescents develop regular voting habits.
Social Studies
How Schools Can Prepare Students to Vote for the First Time
Students want more practical information about voting to prepare them for the polls.