Preparation for capable citizenship

Abstract

The 2016 presidential campaign and its aftermath have underscored the extreme polarization of the electorate, the dismissal of people with opposing views, and the widespread acceptance and circulation of one-sided and factually erroneous information. In addition, only a small proportion of those who are eligible actually vote, and a declining number of citizens actively participate in local community activities. Michael A. Rebell argues that these developments stem directly from the failure of America’s schools to carry out their historic responsibility to prepare young people to be capable citizens. He describes the causes of this failure and explains what schools need to do to prepare students for productive citizenship.

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