Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1278320
this election and beyond. It's even more important since many have a soundbite mentality toward current events, getting much of their information from head- lines and social media. Tanner says this becomes apparent in the way her govern- ment students approach national politics as fodder for biting memes as much as for online petitions and social action. " There's an air of the absurd. Every- thing is a joke," she says. ELECTION 2020: ISSUES OVER CANDIDATES Tanner says the presidential election was already garnering attention earlier this year when President Trump's impeach- ment proceedings piqued her students' interest to the point that they watched the live stream of the vote from the floor of the U.S. Senate. Rather than get caught up in the personalities, Tanner tries to focus her students on the political philos- ophies and ideologies at play, and how they impact how people see the world and think our country should be run. " We talk about how everyone thinks they 're right when it comes to politics," Tann er say s. " But w hy do th e y think this way?" Humble's middle schoolers understand the 2016 presidential election's impor- tance and are already developing their opinions about this year's candidates. They understand that Americans have a history of not exercising their right to 1. Classroom instruction in government, history, economics, law and democracy. 2. Discussion of current events and controversial issues, particularly those that young people view as important to their lives. 3. Service-learning programs that provide students with the opportunity to apply what they learn through performing community service that is linked to the formal curriculum and classroom instruction. 4. Extracurricular activities that offer opportunities for young people to get involved in their schools or communities outside of the classroom. 5. School governance participation opportunities for all students. 6. Simulations of democratic processes for students to experience and learn from. Source: Guardian of Democracy: The Civic Mission of Schools by the Annenberg Institute at the University of Pennsylvania " Look at the issues, not the person. All sides should be heard. My goal in the classroom is to teach students how to think, not what to think." — Jayson Chang, East Side Teachers Association Empowering student voices is a crucial part of civics, Chang says. Six Practices for High-Quality Civic Learning 50 cta.org Teaching & Learning