When it comes to our schools, we talk about testing; we talk about charters; we talk about vouchers. And all the while, we’re talking about “accountability,” however defined.
But how “accountable” are we if we don’t prioritize real-world preparation for 21st century America? The election results of the last month have underscored the challenge. It’s a lot more than STEM classes.
Civics–and not just watered-down versions of Social Studies–needs to be back in the middle-and high-school curriculum. Especially if we still want 18-year-olds to vote. It might be the last time young Americans can learn objectively about how their country works–and where the problematic areas are–before they’re on their own and subject to manipulative, partisan influences.
A presidential voter turnout of barely more than 50 percent is not acceptable. Neither is a Tampa city council turnout of 9.5 per cent. Lecturing, shaming, negative advertising or voter inflaming later on is not how it should work. A Donald Trump presidency can’t happen without voters who are indifferent, uninformed and more than vulnerable to a blatantly pandering pedagogue.
Because manipulation and partisanship are such electoral staples, a modern media primer should be more mandatory than American lit. Prepping students to hone critical-thinking skills–without outsourcing to those with agendas–should be a priority. And those outside-agenda sources, as we know, range from partisan websites and cable news “infotainment” to the knave new world of fake news on social media. “MAGA,” alas, can also mean “Most Americans Get Ambushed” if they don’t take responsibility for their electorate actions–or inactions.
And finally, there needs to be a formal acknowledgement that it’s critically important to understand that we live in a global context. It’s about interdependence and common sense. It’s about our environment, our economy and our security. In short, where does America–and where do Americans–fit in this world? It’s not a rhetorical question.