when we tell kids they can make a differenceand were wrong

but sorta also rightwhen we tell kids they can make a differenceand were wrongJenna McWilliamsLearning Sciences Program, Indiana Universityhttp://jennamcwilliams.com1the I have concerns about the state of civics education in America narrative--source:Anne OBrien, Lets Bring Civic Education to the Front Burner / Edutopia(http://www.edutopia.org/blog/civic-education-high-priority-anne-obrien)

These students will become voters who have to make important decisions every election -- but only about 24% have a proficient understanding of civics? It's a bit scary. This lack of civics knowledge could have dire consequences. Our nation is designed for the participation of the people. If our citizens don't understand how it works, how can we make the right decisions?2a citizen who understands how it works:

Jenna: Did you guys all write to the school board?Adam: I didnt because I think it is no use. I didnt think it was--there was a use. But thats just me because Im a pessimist. ButJenna: How come you didnt speak at the thing? Adam: Cause I wouldayelled and got mad and said stuff.

point 1: traditional forms of participation dont (always) workJenna: Did you guys all write to the school board?Adam: . I didnt think it was--there was a use. But thats just me because Im a pessimist. ButJenna: How come you didnt speak at the thing? Adam: Cause I wouldayelled and got mad and said stuff.I didnt because I think it is no usepoint 2: politics are often unfair (particularly to marginalized groups)Jenna: Did you guys all write to the school board?Adam: I didnt because I think it is no use. I didnt think it was--there was a use. But thats just me because Im a pessimist. ButJenna: How come you didnt speak at the thing? Adam: CauseI woulda yelled and got mad and said stuff. point 3: community extends beyond walls

point 4: participation extends beyond political engagement

marching orderswe need to think about follow-through to support learners after theyve begun to speakNichole Pinkard, DYN-Chicago; Ernest Morrell / Institute for Democracy, Education & Access (IDEA), UCLA

we must orient kids toward a broader understanding of civics (by embracing a broader definition ourselves)Ito et. al, Hanging out, messing around, &geeking out (2009); Henry Jenkins, New Media Literacies, USC

when we empower kids to speak, we must also help them decide when to stop speaking

but sorta also rightwhen we tell kids they can make a differenceand were wrongJenna McWilliamsLearning Sciences Program, Indiana University9