School program puts focus on civics

The Monadnock Center for Culture and History in Peterborough hosted day-long program focused on teaching civics in elementary school, according to the Union Leader:

The program — which started holding workshops around the state two years ago — was founded by educators, attorneys and other Granite Staters who believe civics education isn’t being taught enough in public schools, Martha Madsen, president of the NH Institute for Civics Education, said.

“We need to do a better job of showing them how important their participation is for the survival of our democracy. … and that compromise isn’t a bad thing, it’s a necessary thing,” Madsen said. “I think it’s that important. It’s like math and reading, you can’t just do it a little bit in fourth grade and then again for half a year in the 12th grade and be ready to be a fully effective citizen.”

The Institute for Civics Education is focused on helping educators integrate civics into their already packed curriculums, she said.

The state standards for civics was last updated in 2006.

Source: School program puts focus on civics | Union Leader