Supporting Civics Education with Student Activism

Pablo A. Muriel is a New York City high school teacher who was born, raised, went to school, lives, and teaches in the New York City borough of the Bronx. He earned a Ph.D. in Literacy Studies at Hofstra University.Alan J. Singer is a teacher educator at Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, a former New York City high school teacher, and a lifelong political activist starting with the anti-war and Civil Rights movements of the 1960s.

"Support Civic Education with Student Activism: Citizens for a Democratic Society is an exemplary contribution to civics by showing how students can take part in democracy with social activism unafraid of expressing views and showing up personally when confronted by political and social issues, a noted contribution for the usually dull and legalistic way social studies and civics are taught. Filled with excellent examples of participatory democracy in action by students and their teachers." Jack Zevin, Professor Emeritus, Macaulay Honors College/CUNY, and Co-Director, The Taft Institute for Government"Every social studies teacher should read this book. It is about how students became involved in their democracy and made critical changes in their communities. Pablo Murial and Alan Singer taught students the tools of activism and leadership. Students believed in social justice; their actions come from the heart. Get to know the stories of the students and their teachers. This is an extraordinary book." Valerie Pang, Professor, School of Teacher Education, San Diego State University"In today’s challenging times, social studies teachers are more important than ever in developing student civic literacy. A core component of this effort is in promoting student activism, so they can both exercise and benefit from such practices. Pablo Muriel and Alan Singer, in their book Supporting Civics Education with Student Activism: Citizens for a Democratic Society, provide a template for teachers to help students become the type of citizens we profoundly need today." Mark Pearcy, Assistant Professor, Rider University, College of Education and Human Services, Executive Editor, Teaching Social StudiesThis is the book social studies educators K-12 across the nation need today. As an advocate for civic education, I find this book practical, informative, and most importantly, empowering for young people. It takes you on a journey of the authors’ own self-discovery as activists and their experiences as teachers encouraging student voice in and outside the classroom. A true guide for any educator who supports students as change agents. April Francis-Taylor, Director of Student Life for Mamaroneck, NY schools and member of the NYSED Civic Readiness Task Force

• Introduction; 1 Student Activism and Civics Education; 2 A Wave of Student Activism; 3 Pablo’s Story ; 4 Alan’s Story; 5 What do state and national standards say?; 6 Pablo’s Pedagogy ; 7 Rights and Responsibilities as Teachers; 8 Integrating Activism Across the K-12 Curriculum; 9 Undocumented Immigrants and Immigration Reform; 10 Forum Club; 11 New York and Slavery Walking Tour; 12 Uniondale Students Protest Gun Violence ; 13 Hempstead Freedom Walkers; 14 Save Our Schools; 15 Occupy Wall Street; 16 Metal Detectors in Schools; 17 Citizenship for the 21st Century