Should Kansas high school students pass a civics test in order to graduate?
No. Like more than a few ideas emanating from the Legislature, this is a cranky letter to the editor masquerading as public policy. The state Board of Education has enough on its plate; it shouldn’t have to administer another high-stakes examination. But this year in particular, we have even more powerful reasons to doubt Rep. Steve Huebert’s pet project.
For one thing, high school students didn’t storm the U.S. Capital last month attempting to overthrow the government. That was a throng of supporters of former President Trump. High school students didn’t spend months undermining a free and fair election. That was former President Trump himself. High school students didn’t spread lies about the basic functions of our Democracy. That was a chorus of charlatans and social media instigators.
Civics is about more than reciting facts or figures about our country and Constitution. It’s about the spirit of America, about a country that includes Democrats and Republicans, liberals and conservatives, men and women, Black people and white people, gay people and straight people, and a few editorial writers besides. Civics, in other words, is about perfecting and pursuing a more perfect union.
And pardon us for thinking so, but young folks seem to be doing a decent job.
Who has been leading the charge to fight climate change, for instance? Who has been pushing for schools and businesses to be more inclusive? Who led the #metoo movement exposing predatory behavior by powerful men? Who registered and turned out to vote in record numbers in last year’s elections? Young people.
None of this is to say that schools should ignore the subject. But we can’t insist on standardized test upon standardized test, and hours upon hours of rote instruction, and then add civics to the list. We should allow our talented public schoolteachers the time and space to do what they know best. Teach.
For the young people who aren’t yet involved in current affairs, let our teachers find ways to engage them. Let’s make sure they learn about candidates and, when they turn 18, register to vote. Let’s make sure that they participate in local — and state — government.
But let’s not confuse a test requirement with actual learning.
— Topeka Capital-Journal
