In a time when public trust in government is near historic lows, today’s show highlights regional efforts to revamp civics education. Host Douglas Haynes is joined by Kate Ullman and Adah Lambeck to talk about two initiatives to educate and engage young people in the political process. Ullman and Lambeck discuss how focusing on policies not “politics” is the key to engaging young folks. Lambeck says that young people are motivated by local issues that impact them, like gun violence. 

The Legislative Semester is a nonpartisan civics and government curriculum that engages students in the legislative process. Students explore their own perspectives on a variety of current political issues, learn to use civil discourse in discussing controversial topics, assume leadership roles among their peers. This student-centered and research-based curriculum is expanding rapidly in Dane County and beyond. Ulman says teachers continue to feel confident in this approach to teaching about current policy issues in a non-partisan way. 

And at the same time, Madison high school students are organizing a coalition to advocate for a state constitutional amendment to allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote in school board elections. Though school board elections are nonpartisan, this issue is seen as partisan by the Republican controlled state legislature. But if passed, it would create a direct connection between school boards and students. 

Adah Lambeck is a senior at Madison West High School. Lambeck testified at a Dane County Youth Commission, calling on their support on an initiative proposed by the West High School Civics Club to let 16 and 17 year olds in Dane County vote in school board elections. 

Kate Ullman was a member of the education faculty at Northland College, and a former Middleton High School government teacher. She founded a non-profit organization and now works with teachers interested in using the Legislative Semester government curriculum in their classrooms. She also coordinates the Wisconsin Civic Learning Coalition and serves on the steering group for the Wisconsin Civic Health Initiative.

Featured image, remix of The Legislative Semester.

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