Civics
Social Studies
Video
What Happened as a Government Class Watched Election Returns Live
This teacher takes his AP government class to an election watch party each cycle. What that looked like this year.
Teaching
Opinion
Schools Are Often Blamed for Our Foundering Democracy. It’s Not That Simple
Regardless of who wins the election, teachers must help students see what it means to forge a collective path ahead. Here are three steps.
Social Studies
Inside the Class Where Students Talk About Abortion, Trump v. Harris, and More
A Maine high school has piloted a new class called Election Year, where students dive deep into campaign politics.
Social Studies
Download
How to Hold a Mock Election in Your Classroom: A Downloadable Guide
Tips for an engaging, age-appropriate mock election that develops students' voting habits.
Social Studies
Mock Elections in Schools Evolve to Build Trust in Democracy
Schools use mock elections to help build voting habits early and help students understand the electoral process.
Social Studies
Opinion
How to Host a Voter Drive in Your Classroom (and Why You Should)
Get-out-the-vote activities can offer students a powerful lesson in democracy.
Social Studies
From Our Research Center
Civics Is Getting Harder to Teach, Principals Say
School leaders says they advise teachers to avoid certain topics to fend off complaints from parents.
Social Studies
In Their Own Words
Teaching Presidential Elections Isn't Easy. How One Teacher Manages
Shari Conditt teaches her students about electoral processes through current events including presidential elections.
Social Studies
How Teachers Tackle 2024 Election Discussions
The 2024 presidential election offers an opportunity to grow civic engagement, teachers say.
School & District Management
Opinion
Schools Can’t Cure Polarization. Here’s How They Survive It
To avoid controversy, many educators have learned to sidestep contentious topics. That’s understandable—and wrong.
Curriculum
Opinion
There’s a Better Way to Teach Digital Citizenship
Many popular resources for digital-citizenship education only focus on good online behavior. That’s a problem.
Social Studies
Opinion
How Can Civics Education Safeguard Democracy?
The purpose of civics education must be about more than just getting students to vote.
Teaching
Opinion
Don't Ignore Polarization in Classroom Election Discussions
Down-ballot races, not just the presidential one, offer robust learning opportunities from math to maps.
Social Studies
Teaching the 2024 Election: Learning Opportunity or Landmine?
As the presidential campaign heats up and school starts soon, social studies teachers weigh in on whether and how to cover it in class.