I don't think we can ever stop teaching every generation how the government works and how they're a part of it," she said. A good many of the states have stopped making civics a requirement in public schools. "Today, we're focusing as a nation on math and science and a little time on teaching reading, but civics is just not on the list. "I was thrilled that Baylor, with the help of your president here, agreed that would help us evaluate iCivics, see how it works, see how it's best spread around the country and used. In addition to the web-based educational games, iCivics provides classroom teachers with free lesson plans, discussion forums, webinars and student data tracking. The iCivics project includes 16 online games covering a wide variety of topics, from immigration issues and constitutional law issues to local government issues, among others. Now this is a big order, but it's doable," the justice said. "It was my hope with iCivics that we could develop some games that young people could play on a computer to learn how things worked, how government works and how they have a role in it and how they can be involved. O'Connor's concern stemmed from what she perceived to be a lack of information and tools for students to understand civic participation and a belief that teachers needed better materials and support for civics education. Created in 2009 to introduce students, particularly those in the middle grades, to civic principles and ideas through an online gaming environment, iCivics aims to empower today's youth to become active participants in the democratic process. "If you have a bone to pick with my appointment, talk to Ken Starr." Empowering young people with iCivicsĪt the On Topic event, Justice O'Connor and President Starr discussed Baylor's role in helping assess the effectiveness of iCivics, the justice's vision to reinvigorate civics education in the United States. "He was very impressive then, as he is now," said O'Connor. Justice O'Connor reflected on that experience from three decades ago, while delivering the keynote address at a symposium on iCivics earlier in the day. Starr and O'Connor have known each another since 1981, when she was serving on the Arizona Court of Appeals and Starr was sent by President Ronald Reagan to interview her for an opening on the Supreme Court.īaylor's president also played a key role in preparing O'Connor for questioning prior to her confirmation hearings. Prompted by questions posed by President Starr, Justice O'Connor delighted the audience with stories of her life, work and passion for civic education, particularly her founding of the innovative iCivics learning program designed to prepare young Americans to become knowledgeable, engaged 21st-century citizens. Supreme Court - as she joined Baylor President Ken Starr for "On Topic," his series of conversations with high-profile leaders on contemporary issues facing the nation. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor - the nation's first female member of the U.S. On April 30, a standing room-only crowd at Waco Hall enthusiastically greeted retired U.S. ![]() Baylor School of Law, School of Education partner to study Sandra Day O'Connor's iCivics program
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