This article covers the fact that a lack of civic education in school is not the root problem. As all 50 states require some type of civics requirements. It argues that students are not properly learning civics in a civics classroom. But instead, most students are learning and understanding civics from practical experiences. The article suggests that students are becoming more engaged and understanding citizens through incorporated hands-on experiences. I want to incorporate this into my classroom by including activities such as having debates, having mock trials, and doing hands-on research. 

This article covers an example of how empowered students used their civics knowledge to take action in their democracy. Students at Marjory Stoneman Douglas a school which experienced gun violence. These students realized their rights and responsibilities of citizenship. In which they used to spread their cause across social media, led demonstrations and walkouts, and lobbied in Tallahassee and Washington D.C. on behalf of safety gun laws. The article also introduces a active-citizenship approach, which encourages educators to help students recognize issues at the local, state, and national levels and instill dispositions of democratic citizenship, with respect to everyone. I want to incorporate this into my classroom by engaging my students in current issues and recognize all types of cultures. 

This is another great resource for teachers! Facing History & Ourselves is devoted to having students recognize that their choices can have an impact on democracy. One of the website's goals is to have students look at past democracies and those whose rights were denied. The website has an end goal of students being able to realize that their choices have a big impact on their communities. I plan to use this in my classroom to make a connection between the fact that history is not inevitable and that the choices that students make within a democracy are important for the future!