Terrie Epstein and Jessica Shiller Students’ identities and affiliations influence what and how much they learn from school subjects. Understanding this can help teachers build on students’ perspectives. 205

Understanding the prevalence of affective polarization is essential for teachers to mitigate the increased animosity students are showing towards those from different political parties.

By fostering a commitment to respectful and evidence-based dialog, teachers can aid students in developing the necessary skills for supporting a diverse democracy.  

Understanding the role of special interests in political campaigns and their use of sensational messaging to play on fears, can help young people spot these efforts and reduce the effects of affective polarization.

The featured lesson invites students to consider the impact of gerrymandering and what should be done about the practice of redrawing legislative districts to favor the incumbent party.

Inviting students to examine upcoming Supreme Court cases that consider a citizen’s right to own private property can springboard into an engaging lesson on the Fifth Amendment and the rule of law.  

The featured lesson on the legislative process helps students build important skills in civil discourse.

Providing students with opportunities to think critically about the content they find online can reduce misinformation and polarization.