Bridging the Gaps: Reimagining Civic Education in the midst of the Double Pandemic
by Caroline Flaharty
In the midst of deepening political polarization, a devastating global pandemic, economic and social stratification, and the intensification of racial justice movements following police brutalities, the ability to be civically engaged in the world around us is critical. In this commentary, I reflect on how the significance and application of civic education in K-12 American schools has evolved (or, in many cases, remained stagnant) over time. I highlight the discrepancies in present-day civics education requirements across the country while demonstrating my support for specific contemporary understandings of civics. I argue that in order to best prepare our youth to tackle the problems of today and tomorrow, we, as educators, must re-evaluate what it means to be a citizen in today’s world and what skills are necessary for this type of informed modern citizenship. To conclude, I provide a set of reflection questions and potential next steps for various educational stakeholders who are passionate about engaging in this important and timely work.