Do we need more or better civics classes?

[Anonymous]

It is very disheartening to have to explain things like freedom of speech and due process to adult American citizens who think they can disregard these rights when they dislike someone...

[DrPepper12]

Most USA students take civics / government in their SENIOR year of high school. I've taught it. Do you know ANY GROUP that is more "checked out" & DGAF than seniors in Springtime?

They KNOW what college they're going to. April, May & June are less important than Katy Perry cosplaying astronaut!! They have spring break, Memorial Day weekend, prom, scavenger hunt, senior prank, graduation, jobs, beach, boat, beer and getting intoxicated & laid to think about!!

Do you REALLY think they give two fucks about federalism, discretionary spending, court structure, the amendment process, canonical SCOTUS cases, pocket vetoes & evolution of budgetary process?

THEY DONT!!!

Me: "Your colleges WILL be getting your updated transcripts!"

Them: "Yeah I took AP Statistics & learned that the chances of colleges rescinding an offer are so improbable that I'm good Teach! How about you put on "Mean Girls" so all of us, including you, can just coast & chillax?"

I swear to God I was tempted. I just stopped teaching Seniors. They're THE WORST!!

[ProbablyClueless]

We definitely need better civics classes! We also need to get better about fostering curiosity and critical thought in our schools.

The shit I've seen from the American people over the last 15 years has completely destroyed any confidence I had in my countrymen.

[Asker]

Indeed.

[Asker]

We cannot have an increase in critical thinking because that might cause people to... question things... and we all know how dangerous that is.

[ProbablyClueless]

It's sad that things needed to get to the point they have before people get uncomfortable enough to take a hard look at why our education is so deficient.

[Irritatedyet]

I wonder how much people actually don't understand. Or is it that they just don't care as long as they like the result? Education in the US is pretty abysmal, though

[Asker]

@irritatedyet You have a good point. They don't care how bad a solution is as long as they like the result - the end justifies the means, illegal as it might be. Then, when that same solution is used on them, they scream bloody murder, of course.

[SmokinAces2000]

The people who need these classes don’t even believe in education most of the time

[Asker]

@smokinaces2000 Sadly, that is true. They believe that they already know everything (Dunning-Kruger syndrome) .

Perhaps early education, like at age 8 to 16 - would help?

[SmokinAces2000]

They would just call that indoctrination and now since education is up to the states, we will see even more ignorant people on the future.

[Asker]

Unfortunately, it turns out that you are probably right about that. I can't imagine it happening any other way than as you described...

[Asker]

Now that I think about it, not only do they not believe in education, they also actively oppose it because they don't want people educated to the point where they're thinking about what these people are actually doing.

[exitseven]

do they even teach civics anymore?

[Asker]

I am not sure, but here is what the AI said:

Yes, public schools still teach civics, although the extent and approach may vary depending on the school district and state. In the United States, civics is typically taught in social studies or history classes, usually from middle school to high school. The curriculum may cover topics such as government structure, citizenship, and individual rights. Many schools also incorporate experiential learning, such as mock trials and community service projects, to help students apply civics principles in real-world settings. Some schools may also offer advanced courses in civics, law, or government.

[exitseven]

The civics that threy teach today probablt talks about racist white people and robber barons enslaving eveyone.

[ABC1x1x]

It's not that our liberal neighbors are ignorant, it's that everything they know is wrong.

[Anonymous]

Yes, both more and better.

[zombiewoof]

They seem to have not been taught

[Asker]

Or taught incorrectly.

[beefcakebradybatson]

BOTH !!!