A Congressional Bill to Strengthen Civic Education, with Cat McDonald (DC Lobbyist for Civic Ed)

11/01/21 • 35 min

Will the federal government support a comprehensive civic education bill? The Civics Secures Democracy Act is a Congressional proposal to support civic education with about one billion dollars annually over five years. Currently the bill has sponsors from both major parties, but it is not without detractors.
In this episode, Cat McDonald, the lead lobbyist for the bill, tells us about the bill's content, how likely it is to pass, and the challenges that lie ahead for this proposed legislation. We also discuss the history of the federal government’s support for civic education – and how this plan is different from what's come before.
You can see a video of this episode at this link.
Resources on the Civics Secures Democracy Act:
CivXNow Coalition Website
Civics Secures Democracy Act Text (32 pages)
Ask Questions or Get Involved in CSD (Contact Form)
About Catriona McDonald
ESD Podcast Resources:
Education for Sustainable Democracy Site
Brett's Open Access Research Articles
ESD YouTube Channel (Please Subscribe!)
Education for Sustainable Democracy Facebook Page (Please Like!)

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Support the show

Previous Episode

Online Technologies to Enhance Student Learning: Possibilities & Perils, with Dan Krutka (University of North Texas)

How can technology enhance students' engagement in classroom learning? When are technologies helpful, and when are they harmful?
In this episode, I talk to Dr. Dan Krutka, associate professor of social studies education at the University of North Texas. Dan's research sits at the intersection of technology, education, and democracy.
We discuss how teachers can decide which technologies would strengthen their teaching or whether technologies would even be helpful at all. We also discuss many specific online tools and how they can be useful for enhancing student engagement and learning.
In our conversation, Dan touches on a variety of other issues, as well, such as how to teach effectively in online learning environments when students are home during COVID lockdowns.
This month marks the first anniversary of Education for Sustainable Democracy. Thank you for your support over the past year!
Links Related to this Episode:
Dan Krutka's Homepage
PICRAT Model for Tech Integration in Teacher Ed (CITE Journal)
Glenn Wiebe's Blog - Technology in Social Studies Ed
Teacher Resources:
Padlet Site (digital creation tool)
DocsTeach Site (primary sources & activities)
Chronicling America (historical newspapers)
Smithsonian Learning Labs (documents, recordings, images, & more)
The Redistricting Game (simulation about gerrymandering)
ESD Podcast Resources:
Education for Sustainable Democracy Site
Brett's Open Access Research Articles
Education for Sustainable Democracy Facebook Page (Please Like!)

Support the show

Next Episode

undefined - The Civically Engaged Districts Project - Part 1, with Prof. Beth Rubin (Rutgers University) and District Administrators (New Brunswick Public Schools)

The Civically Engaged Districts Project - Part 1, with Prof. Beth Rubin (Rutgers University) and District Administrators (New Brunswick Public Schools)

Many civic education programs focus on generating civically engaging classroom experiences, and these are very important. But what structures and systems exist at the school district level to support youth civic engagement? How can districts foster a "civic ecosystem" that encourages youth voice and activism - and leverages these assets to enhance the district's culture?
Professor Beth Rubin of Rutgers University has been working closely with administrators and teachers in New Brunswick Public Schools on the Civically Engaged Districts Project. This project, supported by the Spencer Foundation, aims to foster youth civic inquiry about authentic local challenges and to engage administrators, teachers, and students in addressing these challenges.
This episode features Dr. Rubin and three district leaders from New Brunswick Public Schools who have worked on the Project, including Dr. Aubrey Johnson (Superintendent), Dr. Marnie McKoy (former Human Resources Director), and Dr. Lennox Small (Humanities Curriculum Supervisor).
Part 2 of this series will feature students and teachers who have been involved in the project. Please check it out!
Resources Related to the Civically Engaged Districts Project:
Civically Engaged Districts Projects Website
Youth Participatory Action Research Hub (curricular resources)
Youth Engaged in Leadership and Learning (YELL) Curriculum Guide
Related Articles by Beth Rubin:
Towards a Civically Relevant Civics Education (in TRSE)
Confronting the Urban Civic Opportunity Gap (in JTE)
Navigating Y-PAR in the Classroom (Curriculum Inquiry)
ESD Podcast Resources:
Education for Sustainable Democracy Site
Brett Levy's Open Access Research Articles
Prior ESD Episodes on Y-PAR:
Students Addressing Public Issues through Action Civics, with Scott Warren (Generation Citizen)
Youth Exploring Issues & Taking Action, with Jill Bass (Mikva Challenge)