Civic Engagement: Creating Active and Informed Citizens

This issue of Northwest Education offers a snapshot of the current state of K–12 education in the Pacific Northwest, in all its contradictions. "A Teachable Moment" by Rhonda Barton (page 7) looks at how teachers embraced the presidential race as a unique learning opportunity, engaging many students in the excitement of electoral politics for the first time. Other stories show how students are engaged in changing public policy, mastering constitutional law, gaining a global human rights perspective, and learning about tribal government within the context of a culturally based curriculum. Additional titles include "Civic Engagement for All" by Peter Levine; "Leading by Example" and "First Nation, Next Generation" by Bracken Reed; "Passing the Torch" by Jacqueline Raphael; and "A Citizen of the World" by Rhonda Barton.