Why income and tense politics are limiting access to civics classes in California

By Carolyn Jones | CALmatters At some high schools in California, civics is everywhere. It’s part of science and history classes. It’s after school at student council and newspaper meetings. It even happens outside of school, on field trips to the capitol and volunteer projects in the community. And after four years, it’s recognized with a gold seal on students’ diplomas. But most California high school students don’t have those opportunities. Lower-income students and those in politically mixed – or “purple” – areas where parent pushback is more common often miss out on a comprehensive education on how government works and why it matters. Voter turnout among adults nationwide might reflect that disparity in civic engagement, although there are many factors that influence people’s decision to vote and be civically engaged. The stakes are high, as misinformation and mistrust in government are on the rise, and the country reflects on a particularly divisive election season. “At a time when we need civics the most, it’s become harder to deliver for everyone,” said Joseph Kahne, an education professor at UC Riverside who’s extensively studied civics education in California. All high school students in California are required to take a one-semester government...