Special Edition: Teaching Civics with Facts, Not Agendas
Why trusted resources matter in an era of politicized curricula
I usually use this space to highlight new AI tools and resources, but with this week’s news about civics curriculum, I felt it was important to share some trusted sources for teaching civics factually and inclusively. These resources can help balance the noise with materials you can rely on in your classroom or library.
On September 17, the U.S. Department of Education announced that “patriotic education” will be a new priority in civics and history grant competitions. Conservative groups, including Turning Point USA and the Heritage Foundation, back the initiative. Read the coverage here: Ed. Dept. Will Emphasize ‘Patriotic Education’ in Grant Competitions (Education Week).
This news raises serious questions about who shapes civic curricula and how “patriotism” is defined. When organizations like Moms for Liberty—known for pushing book bans, promoting unaccredited training, and framing “parental rights” in ways that narrow what can be taught—are involved, there is a risk that civic education becomes ideological rather than fact-based. Concerns include:
Selective history that highlights only “uplifting” narratives while minimizing slavery, racism, or systemic injustice.
Lack of academic rigor, especially when materials are not developed or vetted by trained civic educators.
Polarization and loss of trust, as parents and communities perceive civic education being co-opted by partisan agendas.
Suppression of diverse perspectives limits students’ ability to understand the full scope of American history.
As library media specialists and teachers, we play a crucial role in ensuring that students encounter civic information that is accurate, well-rounded, and free from partisan agendas.
Trusted Civic Education Resources
If you are looking for balanced, fact-based materials for your classroom or library, these resources are a strong starting point:
iCivics — Free games and lessons founded by Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
Annenberg Classroom — Multimedia resources on constitutional principles and Supreme Court cases.
Facing History & Ourselves — Lessons connecting history and ethics, encouraging student reflection and dialogue.
CIRCLE at Tufts University — Research and data on youth civic engagement.
National Archives – DocsTeach — Primary sources and activities from the National Archives.
Library of Congress Civics Resources — Lesson plans, primary sources, and teaching guides.
Bill of Rights Institute — Curriculum and videos exploring founding documents and contemporary issues..
Emerging AI Civic Tools to Explore
Civic education today isn’t just about textbooks. AI and digital tools are beginning to play a role in how people engage with democracy. Here are a few worth exploring with students:
Nesta Civic AI Toolkit — A UK-based toolkit that helps communities and educators think critically about how AI interacts with civic life, from datasets to digital infrastructure. Useful for class projects or staff PD.
Make.org & MAPLE — Experimental platforms designed to let citizens interact with legislative processes. They use AI to summarize policy, support deliberation, and encourage more voices in civic debates. A great case study for students learning how AI can be used (and misused) in democratic processes.
Resistbot — A practical tool that lets people text or message their elected officials, check registration, and find polling places. It shows students what real digital civic engagement looks like outside of the classroom.
Civic education should never be left to chance—or to groups with narrow political agendas. By grounding our teaching in trusted, fact-based resources and thoughtfully exploring new tools like AI civic platforms, we equip students with the skills they need to distinguish fact from spin, participate confidently in democratic life, and recognize when information is being manipulated for political purposes. As educators and librarians, we have the responsibility and the opportunity to ensure that civic learning remains what it was always meant to be: a foundation for critical thinking, inclusion, and informed participation.