Social Studies and Civics: Engaging Students in Democracy and Community

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Author(s): Lesia C. Lennex (Morehead State University, USA)and Abbigaile C. Easter (Morehead State University, USA)
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 20
Source title: Engaging P-20 Students Through Modern Social Studies Education
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Lesia C. Lennex (Morehead State University, USA), Benjamin Lewis Fitzpatrick (Morehead State University, USA)and Michael W. Kessinger (Morehead State University, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3373-6603-6.ch005

Keywords: Curriculum Development and Instructional Design / Education / Information Science Reference / K-12 Education

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Abstract

This chapter presents information regarding socials studies engagement in civics education activities. In what way(s) are teachers currently engaging with civics content? To answer that question, two projects were undertaken: The Voter Registration Project and a 2025 Survey of 5-12 teachers. The Voter Registration Project is all about empowering and educating our young voters, increasing voter registration and civic engagement, and actively participating in civic engagement. Interestingly, the 2025 Survey results indicated that teachers very rarely engaged students in civic leadership and voter registration. None of the respondents actively engaged students in attending community or other leadership meetings. In contrast, 80% of 5th grade teachers (N=4) included voter awareness in their classroom activities; no 8th or 11th respondents included voter awareness (Lennex and Easter, forthcoming). The Voter Registration Project and 2025 Survey both contribute to better understanding of the current state of civics education and potential improvement.

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Social Studies and Civics: Engaging Students in Democracy and Community

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