Schools teaching citizenship

[Greaseball]

Some teachers say it's the responsibility of the school to teach citizenship, and some people say that it should be left to the parents or that it's not something a school can teach.

What defines someone as a good citizen? For teachers - is citizenship something you teach, and if so, how? And is it something that is actually taught, or is it just something picked up from being in school?

Thanks!

[annab]

The citizenship curriculums that I have seen for elementary students are part of the basic social studies curriculums. They talk about voting, knowing who your reps and senators are, being active in your community. Nothing much more than that. I will admit that what I have seen is VERY limited, but it seems a lot like what we old folks called 'civics'.

[moondiapers]

Citizenship curriculum can include:

How to be a good neighbor
recycling
cleaning up a park
Learning about the democratic process through school elections
Being kind and helpful to classmates and teachers
Learning about our responsibilities to eachother and our communities


Once the kids are older it involves political science as well

[boongirl]

Citizenship is the primary objective of the public school system and has been since public schools were founded. This is not my opinion but a fact of public school education. As an elementary school teacher, I have been trained that it is my responsibility to teach children not only academics but also responsibility and respect. Being in school is all about learning to work in groups, getting your work done one time, following instructions, etc. These are all traits of good citizens. In other countries, children are not necessarily taught the same traits but they are taught what is important to their society.

Citizenship is also part of social studies education, although that is falling by the way side in this era of standardized tests.

It is usually stated in the goals and objectives of every school and school district that citizenship is a mandated part of the curriculum. I think the difference between what teachers do and what parents do is in teaching morals and values. Teachers should be teaching objectively while parents teach within their value base.

[phathui5]

When I was in school, the stuff on the citizenship test was about American history and culture, the Constitution, the court system... it wasn't really about being a goos citizen as much as it was being an American citizen.

[moondiapers]

Originally Posted by phathui5

When I was in school, the stuff on the citizenship test was about American history and culture, the Constitution, the court system... it wasn't really about being a goos citizen as much as it was being an American citizen.

This is still taught too, but it's called American Institutions where we live. It's part of social studies.

[applejuice]

It would be nice if history and constitutional law were reviewed in the curriculum.

This used to be part of the school curriculum and required before graduation....I know it was gone by the time I graduated in 1972.

As long as there is open discussion and no "brainwashing" and "agenda" pushing, I do not see what is wrong with "civics" class.