In today’s world we need broader education not narrower training. All students should be exposed to some elements of a liberal arts curriculum to ensure, for example, a solid foundation in communications and interpersonal skills. Both of these are sadly lacking when most interaction today is via the Internet and through Tweets. All students need at least some education in civics, in the role government plays in our society, and in the responsibilities they have as citizens. With democracy becoming fragile in many countries, under assault from aggressive and often hateful populism, we need informed participation in government, not apathy or indifference. While it is obviously difficult to measure whether we are graduating citizens with a strong social conscience, in the long run that is arguably much more important than whether they land a job quickly upon graduation.
Yet another catalyst for this blog was the recent announcement of a new book, www.municipalworld.com/product/tucker-goes-to-city-hall/Tucker Goes to City Hall, from George Cuff. While he has written many excellent books for municipal councillors and staff, this new book, written with his daughter, is particularly for elementary school students. Giving them a grounding in civics at an early age is an excellent idea. I was reminded of my experience, several decades ago, when asked to speak to a Grade 3 or 4 class during “Local Government Week.” How would I hold their attention? How would I make the subject of local government seem real and interesting? Inspiration struck! I explained that municipalities provide many important services including clean drinking water and disposal of sewage. I added that otherwise the drink that you take from the fountain down the hall might come from someone’s toilet. The students recoiled; some gasped “gross.” But I had their attention for the rest of my remarks.
I’m obviously biased, after a career in education, but I believe that a grounding in civics – starting early and reinforced in later years of schooling – is an essential step in ensuring that we have an informed citizenry, one committed to participating in, and reinforcing, our democracy.