What level of our education system holds itself accountable for producing knowledgeable, patriotic citizens contributing to the common good?

Over time, I’ve asked this question question to several university presidents but have received vague answers.  While research done over the last decade indicates a significant decline in students’ civics knowledge, remedial measures have been in short supply in middle and high schools. Whether it’s due to funding issues or greater importance placed on STEM teaching, it’s a fact that time devoted to civics education has decreased. 

Fordham Prep is now placing greater emphasis on eliminating this knowledge deficit. As an alumnus, I’m proud to support the Civics Initiative as well as the leadership position the Prep is taking in this area. Enhancing American History course offerings and presenting a balanced view of our country’s triumphs as well as where we have fallen short and need to do better is crucial. Strengthening the civics education component of those offerings will also benefit Prep students. Having spent a long career in the media industry and more recently philanthropy, a negative narrative without positive solutions doesn’t inspire anyone.  

In this era where news, information and opinion are constantly being pushed out by traditional and digital  media outlets, news literacy is critical. What are credible sources? Which are objective?

A Jesuit teacher in my junior year at the Prep made comments I have never forgotten: “Never be overly swayed by an eloquent speaker or persuasive writer opining on a subject you know nothing about. Be a skeptic but not a cynic.” A skeptic consults multiple sources to increase knowledge and generate an intelligent opinion. That’s the biggest lesson I hope Prep students will learn on how to  become news literate. 

How might other members of the Prep community, alumni  and friends, get involved with the program?

I hope curriculum enhancements that put increased focus on civics education will lay the foundation for Prep students to be educated, informed and engaged citizens. I hope the Annual Symposium will demonstrate to juniors and seniors the importance of free speech and civil dialogue and that individuals with different political opinions don’t need to be shouting each other down. And finally, as Prep graduates depart for college, they will value both diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as diversity of thought.

*Note - Mr. Bobo is the current chairperson of the Prep's Social Studies Department and was the founding moderator of the CEI*

How will these new resources help to enhance the student experience?

The new resources will provide students more opportunities  to actively engage in civics practices such as debate, service learning, and civic leadership. With an enhanced civics curriculum that spans the four years of a Prep education, students will be encouraged to participate in an environment that embraces democratic practices such as elections and community engagement. It will also provide students the skills to develop their own political opinions and the latitude to express them in multiple settings. We also hope to provide opportunities for students to engage with political leaders in all levels of government, and participate in extracurriculars such as Model UN and Speech and Debate. 

Why is it important to expose our students to a civics curriculum? How will it impact their lives once  they leave the Prep? 

A civics curriculum not only provides students with  knowledge in the constitutional principles that guide our  society but also, just as important, prepares our students to become active members in our society. They will strengthen skills such as critical-thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication needed to become leaders in our community. A graduate of a Jesuit high school is taught to “go out and  set the world on fire”, to bring about meaningful change in the world. A robust and well-designed civics curriculum will give our students the tools to do just that. 

What are the goals of these new initiatives? How would you, as an educator, define success? 

Our goals are to reimagine, design, and implement comprehensive academic and extra-curricular experiences using best practices that build knowledge and the capacity to participate in civic dialogue, promote equality and equity, and prepare students to enter a complex and promising  society as optimistic and competent citizens. These experiences include classes thoughtfully designed to support a robust civics curriculum that both provides knowledge and builds critical-thinking and communication skills. It also includes multiple school-sponsored events during the academic year during which students will participate in political debate and democratic processes. Finally, they will provide academic and extracurricular opportunities that engage students in service-learning, civic debate, and democratic processes. Our intention is that a Fordham Prep graduate will optimistically enter the world as a knowledgeable, compassionate, and capable citizen that is determined to actively promote the ideals of  a democratic society throughout their lives.