Research is telling us that the teaching of Social Studies, American history and civics is decreasing in American schools, particularly at the elementary school level. Additionally, only 9 states and the District of Columbia require one year of U.S. government or civics, while 30 states require a half year and the other 11 states have no civics requirement.

No state has experiential learning or local problem-solving components in its civics requirements. If our primary and secondary schools are not setting the foundation for our children to become knowledgeable, participatory members of our democracy, then we have to hope that our colleges are. The problem is – they might not be doing it either. This begs us to ask the question – when it comes to civics education – are colleges our friend or foe?

Please note that this episode was produced prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A production of LIU Public Radio. Visit us at WCWP.org and follow us on Twitter @CivicsIsDead

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