Taking the Action Out of Civics?

Should young people be recipients of civic knowledge rather than agents of change? How should input from members of the community influence school decisions about curriculum? In a polarized community, is it better to make waves or avoid conflict?

When a high school received pushback to their project-based civics curriculum, what should they do? 

The first episode of “What Would You Do?” examines the debate over a form of project-based civics education called Action Civics, in which students research a topic of their choosing and then take action to create change. In this case study, a parent’s crusade to end the action civics project prompts a high school to examine the purpose of civic education, the rights of young people to influence their community, and the ways that polarized discourse influences schools.

Our first episode examines the debate over a form of project-based civics education called Action Civics, in which students research a topic of their choosing and then take action to create change. In this case study, a parent’s campaign to end the action civics project prompts a high school to examine the purpose of civic education, the rights of young people to influence their community, and the ways that polarized discourse influences schools. 

PANEL OF EXPERTS

Discussion led by Meira Levinson of EdEthics at the Harvard Graduate School of Education

Andrew Wilkes of the nonprofit Generation Citizen

Debbie Holecko of Ohio’s North Olmsted Middle School

Fernando Reimers of the Harvard Graduate School of Education

Robert Pondiscio of the American Enterprise Institute

A wide-ranging and timely conversation explores questions about student agency, teacher autonomy, state authority, community involvement, parental rights, and political polarization.

DRAMATIZATION BY PROFESSIONAL ACTORS

Social Studies Department Chairo (960 × 540 px) (1)

A cast of actors interprets teachers, parents, and school leaders. Multiple perspectives emerge as participants grapple with challenging scenarios and choices, engaging in both personal reflection and group discussion, often across differences. 

WATCH IT IN TWO PARTS

To facilitate Professional Development initiatives, you can also choose to watch the two parts of the episode separately. 

Each episode of “What Would You Do?” consists of 1. a realistic conversation among adults in a school, played by professional actors, who are faced with a complex ethical decision, and 2. a discussion in real time, facilitated by Dr. Meira Levinson, among experts from the field of education.