Legislators Teach Real World Civics.

• Author: Goehring, Jan

America's legislators reach out to students in an effort to increase public knowledge of and respect for the legislative process.

Massachusetts Senator Richard Moore took a day out of his busy schedule last fall to visit junior and senior high school classrooms throughout his district. He talked to students about what it is like to be a state legislator. And he found himself fielding questions that ranged from whether he has met the president to his stance on public funding for stadiums.

What would lead a legislator to devote time to such an activity? Why is it important to answer the simple questions of youngsters? Because these kids are at risk of becoming the cynical and distrustful, non-voters of tomorrow. "Today's young people," according to David Broder of the Washington Post, "take their voting rights so much for granted that they can barely be bothered to use them."

There are many important reasons, says Moore, for state legislators to visit schools. And "state legislators are especially qualified to help students understand their roles and responsibilities as citizens." Besides their lack of interest in voting, students are less than proficient in civics and rarely get to meet political leaders. The visits also work both ways. Since legislators play a major role in education policy, they need to know what it's like for students and teachers in the schools.

KIDS DON'T KNOW CIVICS

In a recent national test, more than 75 percent of fourth graders, eighth graders and 12th graders fell below the proficient level in civics according to a report by the National Assessment of Educational Progress. In addition, young people tend to be alienated from politics; few vote or run for office.

When the American Political Science Association sponsored a survey of political science students at the University of South Florida in Tampa, it showed that high school government classes don't teach the basics of being an involved citizen. Students rarely hear about government as a career option. Only 9 percent of those surveyed ever had an elected official visit their high school class. But for those who did get to talk to an elected official, running for election someday seemed more of a possibility. The majority of those who never received a visit indicated they would not want to seek political office.

"State legislators can contribute to a much needed improvement in the quality of civic education by sharing their experience and explaining America's...