The future of America is "lazy": Who is to blame???

Many people can recall their own government and history classes they have had to take through out their schooling. Agree or disagree, I believe that the lack of interest in government of the youth today is contributed to the lack of appropriate education in government and history courses. All of my government and history teachers from kindergarten through twelfth grade have been coaches. I am not saying that these teachers of mine were not smart or did not do a good job trying to teach us these subjects that are required by the states but in actuality they really did not encourage me to think critically or have any other type of interest in the material. I'm not saying that ALL government and history teachers are like this, but mine sure were!

I can remember countless days of going out to the "Ag shop" where my government class was held. I would come into the room, sit down, and the assignment would be on the board. The typical, day-to-day assignments for these classes were to read the chapter and do the questions at the end or rewrite the vocabulary and turn it in for a completion grade. While most students would be doing their work the athletes in the class would talk to "Coach" about what plays to do on Friday night or what practice would be like that day. There were never any in depth conversations or debates about government. No encouragement to really analyze the history of the government. Just "busy work".

I know there are specific requirements for teaching in Texas and all states for that matter but maybe it is time to raise the bar. If the youth is viewed as indifferent to the government maybe there should be some excitement added to the government and history class rooms! I know the teachers can not be blamed for 100% of a students indifference because parents effect their students too but teachers should be encouraging to students if they wish for them to take part in the government and be productive adults at some point. Teachers should try to build interest in politics and help students understand how the government works on a basic level. Many students who might have been taught by a careless teacher might miss this fundamental government knowledge.

Overall, the states need to analyze the students progress in EVERY aspect of academics. If we are the future of America then interest in government is crucial. The low voter turn out rate for ages 18 to 29 shows that the lack of interest is effecting our government. This growing group of voices is hardly heard. Even though we may not be certified teachers we can still be educators and encourage others in our generation and those who are younger to get interested in government!