14-03-2025
Students and teachers push for civics education
BOSTON (WWLP) – Students and teachers are advocating for civics education to get kids involved with local government and community issues.
These advocates are requesting a funding increase in the upcoming budget to provide grants to Massachusetts schools to run civics education programs.
These programs can take many forms–for some Massachusetts schools, it means completing social change projects, while for others, it may mean arguing a first amendment case in mock court.
For one civics teacher, the biggest accomplishment students can achieve is to no longer need his help to interact with their local government.
'You give them the tools, you give them the knowledge, they learn the levers of change and how they work, and they don't need you anymore,' said Patrick McGravey, eighth grade civics teacher in the North Andover school district.
One legislator, who was behind the push for civics education when a bill establishing funding was passed in 2018, says this program is more essential than ever as deep blue Massachusetts struggles to work together with the federal administration.
'We are going to need an engaged generation. Many engaged generations. To lead this commonwealth and the country,' said Needham Democrat Senator Rebecca Rausch.
With federal funding in question this year, and significant cuts to the national department of education, lawmakers expect the Fiscal Year 2026 budget to be very tight.
Lawmakers say that keeping funding level to previous years for the civics education program would be a win, and they're hopeful that funding can increase in future years.
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