What We're Reading - Generation Citizen

Every few weeks, GC picks out a selection of articles that are relevant to our work and to the civics education space as a whole. We at GC love to expand our learning in every aspect of what we do, and we hope you enjoy our selections!

Teen’s election to Pearland school board turns heads, Houston Chronicle
Mike Floyd, an 18-year-old high school senior, upset a six-year incumbent to win a seat on the Pearland ISD Board of Trustees this spring. Floyd is the youngest person in recent memory elected to a school board in Texas. He aims to “close the gap between district policies and classroom realities” as a member of the Board.

Guest Post: Ideas for Student Civic Action in a Time of Social Uncertainty, New York Times
Recognizing students’ increasing desire to engage in politics and make a difference in their communities, the author offers five-step process to “give students agency in taking on problems they see in their own communities and in the world — and learning to be responsible citizens along the way.” This process is similar to Generation Citizen’s model in many ways, and shines a spotlight on productive ways for students to take action.

To Engage Students and Teachers, Treat Core Subjects Like Extracurriculars, KQED News
Recent research on project-based learning shows that the most powerful core classes often take on the characteristics of extracurricular activities. Schools and teachers take a variety of approaches, but a common thread is giving students power to direct long-term projects. This research provides valuable insight on effective methods for civic education.

Homework? First I Need to Get to the Bottom of This Comey Story, New York Times
Wake Up to Politics, the daily political newsletter written by a high school freshman in St. Louis, has surged in popularity in the past year, counting some of the nation’s top reporters among its subscribers. This profile of 15-year-old author Gabe Fleisher shines a light on the impressive aspiring journalist and shows how he balances high school life with a deep passion for politics.