During a panel discussion in April which marked his return to the public eye, former President Barack Obama said that his next job would be helping prepare the next generation of leaders.
Quizzed by a high school student on the panel, Obama agreed that civics needed to be emphasized in schools; maybe that was another item on his to-do list as president that he just couldn’t squeeze in.
Obama panel now discussing whether better civics courses in high school could lead to better civic engagement of younger people
— Jessica Taylor (@JessicaTaylor) April 24, 2017
Kenwood student says there needs to be more focus on social studies and civics in high school. President Obama panel at #UChicago
— IndivisibleChi_South (@IndivChi_South) April 24, 2017
High school student tells Obama math/science prioritized b/c of standardized testing, social studies/civics pushed aside. Big problem.
— John Haltiwanger (@jchaltiwanger) April 24, 2017
Could you pass the US citizenship test? I have a feeling many Americans couldn't because we don't prioritize civics. https://t.co/KV0NCMdq1Z
— John Haltiwanger (@jchaltiwanger) April 24, 2017
For some reason, we suspect Obama’s idea of civics education would skew a little more closely to community organizing than civics, but there’s no question that something needs to be done.
Texas Supreme Court Justice Don Willett has seen the evidence and is on board with an effort in Texas to make it mandatory for high school students to pass the same citizenship test given to immigrants who wish to become U.S. citizens.
.@TexasHouse has passed #HB1776 to strengthen civics education.
Necessary?
31% of adults can't name a single branch of gov't.
So, yeah. https://t.co/YJU5x6yGCQ
— Justice Don Willett (@JusticeWillett) May 4, 2017
@JusticeWillett @TexasHouse Yea Judges branch!
— Just the Facts (@newestendeavor) May 4, 2017
@JusticeWillett @TexasHouse Branches, like…on a tree?
— Holmes (@HolmesLybrand) May 4, 2017
@HolmesLybrand @JusticeWillett @TexasHouse Are you kidding? I hope so.
— Janis (@nonni28) May 4, 2017
We’re pretty sure he’s kidding. The Texas Tribute reports that under the bill, students would be able to take the multiple choice civics exam online any time after they enter the ninth grade.
@JusticeWillett @TexasHouse Is Mayonnaise a branch of government?
— Gaelen Schumann (@GaelenSchumann) May 4, 2017
@JusticeWillett @TexasHouse "31% of adults can't name a single branch of gov't." That's just… sad.
— Shane Hills (@0toygunanthem0) May 4, 2017
@JusticeWillett @TexasHouse The Healthcare Branch, Social Security Branch, Education Branch, Police Branch, and War Branch.
— Barry Ballinger (@BarryBallinger) May 4, 2017
@JusticeWillett @TexasHouse that's easy! here's all three: military, corporate, and hollywood.
— Cayle Halberg (@Cayle_Halberg) May 4, 2017
@JusticeWillett @TexasHouse Since when was civics deleted from subjects taught in school? Was it the same time cursive was stopped? Kids don't know how to write name!
— Janis (@nonni28) May 4, 2017
@JusticeWillett @TexasHouse We don't need more laws! We just need the return of Schoolhouse Rock! https://t.co/0IRdwV9YtV
— Ed Hansberry (@EdHans) May 4, 2017
@JusticeWillett @TexasHouse @TexasStandard Way to go Texas! It should be mandatory in every state! Civics is important. Snowflakes unaware
— Kat Gonzales (@KatGonzales5) May 4, 2017
It’s not mandatory in every state, but it’s getting there.
Fifteen states have passed similar legislation, requiring students to take a version of the civics exam. https://t.co/yPq0B4RWwi
— Texas Standard (@TexasStandard) May 4, 2017
@JusticeWillett @TexasHouse The first job of public education was to create educated citizens. Well done @TexasHouse
— Jennifer Gumbel (@jgumbel) May 4, 2017
