Episode Summary:
In this passionate episode of I Hate Higher Ed, host Kris McPeak dives deep into a critical issue facing both high schools and higher education: the alarming lack of civics education. Kris shares her frustration with the current state of civic engagement in schools, especially as we approach another pivotal election season. Drawing from a revealing article by UC Riverside, she discusses the disappointing statistics on how few California school districts prioritize civics in their curriculum and mission statements. Kris also reflects on her own experiences with civics education and the enduring importance of understanding the foundations of American government. She closes with a call to action for educators to integrate civics into their teaching, regardless of their discipline, to better prepare students for their roles as informed citizens.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The absence of civics education in many high schools and its impact on higher education.
• Findings from UC Riverside's research on California school districts' civic education priorities.
• The importance of students understanding the structure of government and their role in democracy.
• Kris’s personal experiences with civics education and the significance of Schoolhouse Rock.
• The broader implications of under-educated young voters in upcoming elections.
• A passionate plea to educators and students to take civics education seriously.

Links Mentioned:

• UC Riverside News Article on Civics Education
• Book: Your Adult Civics Textbook (Kris mentions this book as a great resource for brushing up on civics knowledge. Check the show notes for more details.)

Connect with Kris:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krismaspeak
• Twitter: https://x.com/krismaspeak
• Website: https://www.krismcpeak.com/

Call to Action:
If you’re an educator, think about how you can incorporate civics into your teaching. If you’re a student or just someone who wants to learn more, start exploring civics education resources. Our democracy depends on it!