In this short, civics educator and doctoral researcher Colleen O'Brien, Ed.D., (Co-Director of Civics for Colorado) shares how a recent Georgetown University survey highlights a crucial point: 90% of youth believe understanding the us government is important. This educational video explores how this strong interest in civics debunks the myth of student apathy. It's clear that fostering democracy begins with informed education, not just textbook knowledge.
In the full part 1 episode, we cover:
- Why civic anxiety (not apathy) is the real barrier to student participation
- How real civic experiences build student confidence and engagement
- Programs like We the People and Project Citizen that are transforming classrooms
- What Justice Anthony Kennedy told a room full of teachers about civic discourse
- Why civics education is uneven across Colorado and what it costs communities
Watch, reflect, and share Part 1 & Part 2 of our @schoolutionspodcast S5E33 interview.
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📚 Chapters
- 0:00 The myth of student apathy
- 0:12 What Georgetown's 2025 study actually found
- 0:28 90% of students want to know how government works
- 0:42 93% across party lines agree
- 0:55 Why data matters for funding civics education
- 1:05 What 3,000 students taught one educator
When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
📧 Connect with me if you’d like a thought partner to help you cultivate curious learners who advocate for what they believe in.
🎵 Music: Benjamin Wahl
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When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
