Teaching Civics in the Library

Reneé Critcher Lyons

ISBN 10: 078649672X / ISBN 13: 9780786496723

Published by McFarland and Co Inc, US, 2015

About this Item

Civics education is "on the books" in all 50 states, yet civic illiteracy is widespread. Only one third of 12th graders are able to explain the significance of the Declaration of Independence, and fewer than half of 8th graders know the purpose of the Bill of Rights. This instructional guide explores the foundations of civics education--and the reasons for its demise--with commentary from civics education leaders and scholars across the nation. Questions for eliciting civics discussion are provided for all grade levels, along with detailed civic action and service projects and reading plans. Best practices and grant writing options are included. The author argues for a return to early 20th century civics education and details the traditional and present-day role of America's libraries in developing a civic-minded populace. School and public librarians are urged to utilize trade books and carefully evaluated websites to integrate civics within educational and youth services offerings.

Seller Inventory # LU-9780786496723

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Teaching Civics in the Library
• Publisher: McFarland and Co Inc, US
• Publication Date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 078649672X
• ISBN 13: 9780786496723
• Binding: Paperback
• Condition: New
• Weight: 408 grams

About this title

Synopsis

Civics education is "on the books" in all 50 states, yet civic illiteracy is widespread. Only one third of 12th graders are able to explain the significance of the Declaration of Independence, and fewer than half of 8th graders know the purpose of the Bill of Rights. This instructional guide explores the foundations of civics education--and the reasons for its demise--with commentary from civics education leaders and scholars across the nation.

Questions for eliciting civics discussion are provided for all grade levels, along with detailed civic action and service projects and reading plans. Best practices and grant writing options are included. The author argues for a return to early 20th century civics education and details the traditional and present-day role of America's libraries in developing a civic-minded populace. School and public librarians are urged to utilize trade books and carefully evaluated websites to integrate civics within educational and youth services offerings.

About the Author

Renee Critcher Lyons is an assistant professor in the School Library Media Program at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee. She lives in Boone, North Carolina.