How much do students actually know about the government?

By Madina Faizi and Amir Sabitov, '26

The government can be a mix of complex, controversial, and important information that not many people are informed about. Civic literacy has declined over the years, with schools focusing on teaching students other subjects. 

With the spotlight on Wethersfield High School students, our main priority is to make 
sure students are actually learning. But what 
do they know already in a subject that has real-world benefits, the preparation for the society’s system, and personal responsibilities. Civics, which is currently a required class to graduate, is a class many struggle in. John Palazzo, a teacher at Wethersfield High School, currently prioritizes the learning for students being taught civics. 

Mr. Palazzo said, “I think that students are not taught enough about governance throughout their schooling.  This is especially true in the younger grades where literacy and STEM skills are prioritized. Social studies often takes a back seat, and even then it's not usually until high school where students get extensive lessons on government/governance.” He also mentions the great action of making civics a required class, allowing students to better their understanding of the government. 

“What I believe students are lacking in their civic literacy is an understanding about how policies are made, who makes them, and how they can have the power to influence those decisions.  Just because you are unable to vote, it does not mean you can't influence 
change.  Also, in today's society in which people can get stuck in social media algorithms, they may never come across points of view that truly challenge their point of view in a respectful way,” John Palazzo said. 

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A few of Mr. Palazzo's room from the first floor of WHS

TikTok algorithms have a huge impact on people and the community, and can be most vulnerable to children. He states how the media can further polarize groups preventing authentic discussions. As students at Wethersfield High School, we are of that population. 

“I think with many topics in our country being politicized, schools have not necessarily focused on educating students on government, but have rather focused on teaching kids how to come up with an idea/claim/thesis and defend it with evidence while also attempting to have an understanding of the other side's argument.” He also believes, “I think more recently there has been more focus on teaching students about bias and how to be aware of it in the media.”

With the future passed forward onto the students of Wethersfield High School, it’s important that they realize the benefits of becoming academically smart in this subject. 

“I think something that would be beneficial is if students had more opportunities for service projects in which they can impact their community authentically, and be at the forefront of the change they wish to see in their community.”

“I believe students are more capable than they think.  So it is our job as educators and parents to help give students that confidence to realize their potential.  In a few short years, most Wethersfield High School students will be able to vote and their vote is equal to everyone else's.  This is their community too, and they should not be afraid to take care of it or share where they see.”

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