Civics Education and Youth Participatory Politics

Overview

The youth of today’s society are living in an unprecedented moment in time that has converged health, economic, environmental, social, and political issues. The emergence of recent technology and outlets to information has opened up access to a plethora of knowledge, creating opportunities for young people to become more informed and engaged.
 
Young people have the power to be change agents and the influence to shape society’s future as a whole. However, only 1-in-4 eighth-graders performed at or above proficient in the 2018  National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) civic evaluation. Much work remains for schools to help their students realize their tremendous potential to be part of the solutions to the societal challenges we face.

Civics Education and Youth Participatory Politics explores how educators can develop a curriculum that builds students’ capacity as civic actors, encourages learners to become engaged with central issues, and positions youth to take informed action. Program participants will also learn how to develop student-centered inquiry questions, teach students to analyze the media, and design opportunities for students to leverage technology to take action and make their voices heard.

Program Details

Civics Education and Youth Participatory Politics is a self-paced, asynchronous two-week online workshop that examines example lessons, student work, curriculum design strategies, and the deeper ethical considerations around teaching civics.
 
Program content is based on Professor Eric Soto-Shed’s social studies teacher training sessions that draw upon best practices in media literacy, leading works on youth participatory politics, and key elements of the NCSS C3 framework.

Workshop activities include:

• Examples and strategies for media literacy analyzing fake news and social media campaign ads
• Case studies focused on teachers and students exploring controversial issues
• Digital tools for student projects (e.g. podcasts)
• Readings and additional resources from NCSS and leading scholars in the field
• Video lectures from Professor Soto-Shed
• Self-assessment and reflection prompts
• Examination of materials, such as student work, curriculum materials, video clips, etc.
• Creation or modification of a lesson, project, or unit plan related to the 2020 political election and youth civic engagement

The program requires 8-10 hours total in conjunction with program content. If you complete all individual assessments and contribute to group discussions prior to the end of the course period, you will receive your certificate, along with clock hours indicating completion.

This learning experience is asynchronous and takes place within the learning management system Canvas​. Asynchronous programs do not have any live components and are designed to be self-paced. ​However, this program does include a suggested weekly schedule with two days per week for assignments due, in order to provide a guiding structure. Completing assignments on the recommended schedule is not mandatory, but allows participants to engage with and learn from the entire cohort, which helps to build a community of practice.

Objectives

• Learn how to develop student-centered inquiry questions that guide student investigations into civic issues
• Explore researched-based practices for analyzing and evaluating media to take informed civic action
• Examine different ways students can take action with specific attention to leveraging technology

Who Should Attend

• Middle and high school teachers
• School administrators
• Principals and school leaders
• Youth-serving professionals
• Parents, caretakers, or anyone interested in the topic

Registration will take place on an individual basis, though teams are welcome.

Fees & Policies

Individual Rates: $149 per person
Group Rates: 10+ people: 25% off final invoice

Tuition includes all instructional materials required for participation in the program.

Full tuition is due by the indicated payment deadline, please refer to the individual program’s community and application page for payment deadlines. While a purchase order confirms enrollment, full payment is still required by the final payment deadline. Please note that failure to pay by the payment deadline will result in your withdrawal from the program.

Please click here for more information on payment, refund, and withdrawal policies.

The Harvard Graduate School of Education reserves the right to change faculty or cancel programs at its discretion. The school is not responsible for any planning expenses incurred.