The Healing Power of Civic Literacy | Arden Santana | TEDxDixwell

TL;DR

Civic education is crucial for creating responsible citizens, but only 22% of eighth graders in the US are proficient in civic literacy.

Transcript

Transcriber: Phạm Kiên Reviewer: Robert Tucker Good evening. I'm a graduate of New Haven Public School. I'm a recovering public school teacher. And as such, I've been subject to mandates on both the federal and state levels of government. In spite of public school curricula, including as a standard that students in social studies learn about the ci... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🎓 Public school curriculum prioritizes reading and math over civic education, impacting students' civic literacy.
• 📣 Only 22% of eighth graders in the US are proficient in civic literacy, indicating a significant knowledge gap.
• ✋ Civic education in high school is crucial for preparing young people to be responsible citizens.
• 🤑 Power in civic engagement derives from physical force, money, government authority, and societal norms.
• 🗯️ Civic education empowers individuals to understand their rights, engage in the democratic process, and contribute to society.
• 🗯️ The Constitution serves as the supreme law, limiting government authority and protecting citizen rights.
• 💁 Civic engagement can take various forms, such as voting, petitioning the government, and providing services to the community.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the emphasis on reading and math affect civic education in public schools?

The focus on reading and math has led to a neglect of civics in public school curricula, resulting in low proficiency in civic literacy among students.

Q: Why is the decrease in civic literacy among eighth graders concerning?

Civic literacy is essential for creating responsible citizens who can actively engage in society. A decline in civic literacy indicates a lack of knowledge in important aspects of citizenship.

Q: Why is civic education important in high school?

High school is a crucial time for young people to learn about civics as they are about to enter society. Without proper civic education, they may not understand their roles as empowered and responsible contributors to society.

Q: How can civic education empower citizens?

Civic education provides knowledge about government, law, and citizen rights, enabling individuals to engage in the democratic process, hold government officials accountable, and make informed decisions.

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the lack of civic literacy among students in the United States and the importance of civic education. He highlights the fact that only 22% of eighth graders are proficient in civic literacy and emphasizes the need for a stronger focus on civics in the education system. The speaker also explains the sources of power in civic engagement and encourages individuals to pursue civic education to ensure their own success and liberty.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is the speaker concerned about the lack of civic literacy among students?

The speaker is concerned because civic literacy is a crucial measure of success and liberty. Without a deep understanding of civics, individuals are not prepared to be empowered, responsible contributors to society. The current education system prioritizes reading, writing, and math over civics, which results in a lack of civic knowledge among students.

Q: What are some important statistics regarding civic literacy in the United States?

Two noteworthy statistics are mentioned in the video. Firstly, only 22% of the nation's eighth graders are proficient in civic literacy, which is a decrease from previous years. This indicates a trend of declining civic knowledge among students. Secondly, the civics assessment is not given in 12th grade, which is a critical time when civic knowledge is crucial as young people are about to enter the world as adult citizens.

Q: How does the speaker define power in the context of civic engagement?

The speaker explains that power in civic engagement can come from various sources. These sources include physical force through entities like the police or military, the ability to influence outcomes through money, the power of governments to compel or restrict actions through policy and law, the influence of ideas, and the collective power of a unified society. These factors collectively shape the power dynamics in civic engagement.

Q: Why does the speaker believe it is important to teach civic education?

The speaker, being an educator, believes that civic education is crucial for the well-being of communities. Civic literacy is not limited to reading, writing, and math but extends to understanding the principles of citizenship and governance. The lack of civic education leads to a lack of civic knowledge among individuals, which hampers their ability to participate effectively in society and contribute as responsible citizens.

Q: Can you explain the significance of the Constitution in relation to individual rights and government authority?

The Constitution is the supreme law that governs the United States. It establishes the basis upon which everyone within the jurisdiction must adhere, including government officials. While government officials hold positions of power, they are still public servants bound by the laws outlined in the Constitution. The majority of articles in the Constitution list the power and authority granted to government branches and officials, while a separate article, known as the Declaration or Bill of Rights, enumerates the private rights of the people. It is essential to recognize that government officials are not supreme authorities but rather individuals serving the public.

Q: How can individuals overcome the belief that government officials are the supreme authority?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of knowledge and education in challenging the notion that government officials have supreme authority. By actively engaging in civic education and gaining a deep understanding of the Constitution and the principles it upholds, individuals can recognize and establish the great and essential principles of liberty and free government. This involves actively studying, reading, and looking up unfamiliar terms to become well-informed citizens.

Q: According to the speaker, what is the role of the people in the concept of power?

The speaker refers to Article 1, Section 2 of the Constitution of the State of Connecticut, which states that all political power is inherent in the people. Power, in this context, refers to the capacity to make people do what is desired. The people collectively hold this power in free governments, meaning governments that protect their private rights and privileges. It is the authority and benefit of the people that free governments are founded upon, and the people have the right to alter their form of government when they deem it necessary.

Q: Who is William Lanson and why is he mentioned in the video?

William Lanson was an influential figure in 1835 who achieved wealth and held ideas that led to his election as Black Governor, or the King, of New Haven. He was an entrepreneur who played a significant role in the economic success of New Haven through his work on building the Farmington Canal and Longworth. Lanson also founded the Dixwell Congregational Church and provided housing and religious gatherings for enslaved individuals. His actions reflect forms of civic engagement and highlight the importance of individuals taking an active role in their communities.

Q: How does the speaker stress the significance of knowledge of the law?

The speaker quotes the principle of law "Ignorance of the law excuses not" and adds that knowledge of the law empowers individuals. By understanding the law, individuals can effectively navigate and exercise their rights within society. Without knowledge of the law, individuals may unknowingly forfeit their rights or be at a disadvantage. Thus, the speaker encourages individuals to gain knowledge about the law to better empower themselves.

Takeaways

Civic education and civic literacy are essential for individuals to become empowered and responsible citizens. The current educational system's emphasis on reading, writing, and math has resulted in a lack of civic knowledge among students. It is crucial to prioritize teaching civics to ensure that individuals have a deep understanding of citizenship, governance, and their rights and responsibilities. By actively engaging in civic education, individuals can challenge the notion that government officials have supreme authority and recognize that they are public servants bound by the law. Knowledge of the law empowers individuals and enables them to participate more effectively in society.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Public school curriculum prioritizes reading and math over civics, resulting in a lack of civic knowledge among students.

• The percentage of eighth graders proficient in civic literacy has decreased by 2% since 2018.

• Civic education is not given enough importance in high school, where civic knowledge is crucial for young people entering society.