Opinion | Civics contest fosters democratic involvement for Wisconsin students


Opinion \| Civics contest fosters democratic involvement for Wisconsin students
Earlier this year, the National Assessment of Educational Progress reported that just 22% of American students — roughly one in five — are proficient in civics. Yet even as Americans across the political spectrum believe that more civic awareness could help narrow the country`s divides, only seven states require a full year of civics education. Although Wisconsin requires a civics test for high school graduation, it isn`t one of those seven. The debate over civics education has been broiling for decades now. The lack of emphasis on teaching young people the fundamentals of U.S. government and the duties of Americans in fostering their democracy is often blamed for the country`s escalating polarization. The Wisconsin Newspaper Association is trying to do something about that. Once again this year, the association`s foundation is sponsoring the Wisconsin Civics Games Editorial Writing & Cartoon Contest for middle and high school students. Its aim is to increase civic education and engagement while also celebrating the First Amendment and the importance of newspapers in our society. “I hope through this experience you gain an immense, immense knowledge about government and the importance of civic engagement,” Evers told the nearly 70 students at the finals. “It means being able to hear other perspectives. And it means engaging with each other with humility and civility. And it means understanding that our differences and diversity makes us stronger, not weaker.” ...more
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Our Sponsors - - Volume: 11 - WEEK: 48 Date: 11/30/2023 12:30:06 PM -

Earlier this year, the National Assessment of Educational Progress reported that just 22% of American students — roughly one in five — are proficient in civics.

Yet even as Americans across the political spectrum believe that more civic awareness could help narrow the country`s divides, only seven states require a full year of civics education. Although Wisconsin requires a civics test for high school graduation, it isn`t one of those seven.

The debate over civics education has been broiling for decades now. The lack of emphasis on teaching young people the fundamentals of U.S. government and the duties of Americans in fostering their democracy is often blamed for the country`s escalating polarization.

The Wisconsin Newspaper Association is trying to do something about that. Once again this year, the association`s foundation is sponsoring the Wisconsin Civics Games Editorial Writing & Cartoon Contest for middle and high school students. Its aim is to increase civic education and engagement while also celebrating the First Amendment and the importance of newspapers in our society.

“I hope through this experience you gain an immense, immense knowledge about government and the importance of civic engagement,” Evers told the nearly 70 students at the finals. “It means being able to hear other perspectives. And it means engaging with each other with humility and civility. And it means understanding that our differences and diversity makes us stronger, not weaker.”

...more

Opinion | Civics contest fosters democratic involvement for Wisconsin students

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