With the U.S. election just three weeks away, student voices are crucial, even those not yet eligible to vote. Unfortunately, many lack the knowledge to form educated opinions due to a decline in civics education. This issue has persisted for years, as many teachers and principals avoid civics due to its divisive nature.
Consider these alarming statistics: Only 49% of students in the latest NAEP exam reported having a civics-focused class, and only 29% had a teacher dedicated to teaching civics. Additionally, over 70% of Americans failed a basic civic literacy quiz, with 1 in 3 unable to explain the three branches of government, as highlighted by a 2024 study from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Louise Dubé, executive director of iCivics, founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, emphasizes the need for civics education in schools. “Teaching the election should be the Super Bowl of re-engagement,” Dubé stated. Many students want to be more informed, prompting The Hechinger Report to partner with Retro Report to address the civics education gap.
Retro Report’s series “Citizen Nation” on PBS showcases students competing in We the People, a national civics competition. Students like Elias Wallace from Wyoming express the importance of dialogue: “We don’t actually listen to one another. Instead, we just say no, no, no, you’re wrong.”
The series highlights voices from diverse backgrounds, like Elizabeth Fakoya from Las Vegas, passionate about debating politics, and Ethan Bull, a student activist. Teachers like David Kendrick remind students of the unprecedented nature of current elections, urging them to be ready to take charge.
Efforts to reform civics education are ongoing. Michael Rebell, in “Flunking Democracy”, argues that neglecting civics education violates constitutional rights. Nonetheless, as Dubé notes, positive efforts like iCivics games reach millions annually. Jonathan Collins notes that young people are finding ways to address societal issues, despite limited formal support.
“I’m not satisfied with the way the world is right now,” says Ethan Bull, emphasizing the need for change. The ongoing discussions and competitions aim to empower the next generation to improve civics education and, ultimately, democracy itself.
This story about civics education was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Sign up for our newsletters.
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