I have written about this series of problems for a long time.
We are no longer uniformly teaching civics (or basic facts about our country- whatever you want to call the material) nor are we teaching our kids how to discern fact from fiction (or hyperbole).
We have six states that currently teach year long civics classes. And, then, we have the problem that at least one state (Florida, becoming the 7th state to mandate Civics courses in high school) has changed the focus of civics from non-partisan to adopting a point of view. I have outlined some of the changes that will need to be examined to discern if Florida will teach civics or polemics.
But, that’s not really why I am posting this blog.
Nope. I want to celebrate a new trend- one I hope the other 49 states (and the District of Columbia) rapidly emulate.
Illinois recently mandated that media literacy is now a required subject to graduate from high school. That’s right, we want our students to be able to recognize facts- and fictions. The real problem is that too many of us (not me- I use primary sources) rely on social media as their sole source for news. And, then look for the most provoking headlines (even though they are not true) to share!
Things to be taught by this program include information access, the evaluation of media sources, social responsibility to create and consume media, among other hot topics.
And, you should know that this entire concept was due to one student who graduated last year from high school. Bradeen Hajer, a 2021 high school graduate from Naperville Central High School. He participated in the Illinois Global Scholars Program and is currently enrolled at the University of Chicago.
Hajer worked with State Representative Elizabeth Hernandez (Cicero, Democrat) to get this mandate passed and signed by the governor last July. And, the state is using Yonty Friesem (Columbia College, Chicago), a media literacy expert, to help develop the curriculum. (Friesem is the co-founder of the Illinois Media Literacy Coalition.) The law provides schools the ability to implement the lessons to teach the students based upon its understanding of the local community needs and the student population… In other words, the program will be customized to meet local concerns.
I just hope our students learn, as they read an article, why did the author write that article, who are they (their qualifications), and what they are trying to convey.
If they do, we’ll have a most educated populace.
Totally agree, there is way to much being spreqd on social media that some take as gospel. Teach the basics like use to be done way back in our generation so students can learn and be well educated when they graduate.
Thanks for adding your voice to the conversation, Martha!
This is fascinating. I think discerning fact from fiction requires a large investment of time, research, and most importantly a willingness to get to the truth. We cannot rely on the media, government, or big business to give us any “facts” other than what help them out. I admire my husband because he watches/reads news from all sides, so I think he’s got a much better chance of getting to an objective truth.
Laura Orsini recently posted..What Is Fairy Positive?
We need more folks like your husband, Laura. To try and obtain a balanced, nuanced take on the news of the day.
I also agree totally. We have to combat the flood of misinformation (and also the efforts of states that want to turn civics education into a governor’s point of view exercise. That isn’t civics!) I was disappointed to find that New York wasn’t on the list of seven (or six) states requiring a year of civics education.
I, too, was disappointed to find New York not on the list, Alana. It should be among the forefront!