POSTCARDS FROM THE FRONT of our fields. With regard to civics curriculum, we found the resources from Facing History and Ourselves, iCivics, and the News Literacy Project particularly useful. Unfortunately, COVID restrictions are likely to continue into next year and confine our pilot course to campus. This limitation is a real disappointment, for civics learning is most profound when the knowledge and skills are applied and used in the real world.
Finally, I am optimistic about Foundations because of the institutional support behind it. The sections will be team-taught and the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, Dean of Students, and Head of Athletics have signed on for the pilot. By joining with the offices of DEI, Global Education, and the CCCE, they are sending a strong message to students and parents that this course is an exciting new opportunity and a valuable use of everyone’ s time. In addition to team teaching, the course intentionally differs from the usual academic experience in that there is no homework, no tests, and no official grades.
“ We will be explicit: in Foundations, they are learning skills and knowledge that are of immediate use in daily life in a multicultural democracy.”
A pass / fail requirement is intended to keep the guardrails on, but the goal is to offer an experience( 45 minutes twice a week) that doesn’ t feel like an academic class. As we design activities and discussion questions, we are prioritizing the students’ view of what would feel relevant and engaging. We will be explicit: in Foundations, they are learning skills and knowledge that are of immediate use in daily life in a multi-cultural democracy. In 2021-22, the course will run twice and we will learn a tremendous amount from the student feedback; we’ ll have to wait to hear whether they are buying what we are selling!
2. Civics Hits Us Where We Live: Our Schedules
As a civics program director, my message to the students and adults in my school community is that civic participation must be added back into American life. Democracy only works when citizens believe in it and actively work to sustain it. Above all, that work demands time. Getting to know your neighbors, consistently reading the news of those who live beyond your neighborhood, showing up to help and work with others, understanding our laws well enough to support or challenge them: it all takes time. Time is just what over-scheduled students and their hard-working parents don’ t have. A few adults may thank you for re-asserting the value of civic participation— may even be relieved to hear it, but be aware that others may feel judged or demoralized by it. Jam-
Continues on page 12
CSEE Connections Summer 2021 Page 11