By Joel Martin

As a public school educator it is always interesting to see the results of well-done and comprehensive research involving students.

Unfortunately, the results are sometimes quite concerning.

The Knight Foundation Future of the First Amendment is both interesting and concerning. In light of my general thought that schools exist to fulfill the responsibility of turning out capable, productive, responsible, informed, and civic minded citizens, I offer the following thoughts.

It is true that the Constitution Day mandate of December 2004 did nothing negative to hurt the American teenage student or public education. However, it is apparent that the “hoped for” results have not developed at this point in time. Patience is a virtue, and schools need to continue looking at options for making progress in the area of First Amendment curriculum.

It is safe to assume that schools are not ignoring federal mandates and that the Constitution is certainly covered in routine curriculum. Specifically at the high school level, First Amendment issues are addressed within written social studies curricula. However, we can certainly explore many avenues to improve on the unimpressive results reported by the Knight Foundation

One positive finding is that more First Amendment courses are now being offered in high schools. A continued effort must exist to patiently make progress. The charge will continue to be lead by organizations and entities with specific financial backing and clear mission statements.

But, the local-level educational leadership may have the most impact of all.

Taking a look at what a local school system is doing to address the shortcomings cited in the survey results seems to be prudent. Obviously,  there are school corporations that are doing a great job already. But, we are looking straight into a window of opportunity to increase that number.

Surely those currently doing well are happy to share ideas and practices. Classroom teachers and administrators alike have to consider the obligation to do what it takes to send graduates out into the world well informed and prepared to positively participate in civic activities/duties.

Curriculum adjustments to focus on the First Amendment issues of free expression need to be explored. The idea of incorporating this topic into increased curricular areas must be studied. The government or civics teacher late in a student’s educational career may struggle, despite a genuine effort, to do justice to the subject of the Constitution and First Amendment. 

Courses and/or curriculum at lower grades addressing these issues may be prudent. Schools need to consider developing new course offerings aimed specifically at First Amendment rights issues. For example, journalism students should have academic focus on topics such as prior restraint and censorship instead of solely being focused on producing an article by a deadline.

As indicated by the survey results, high school students are much more in tune with topics of free expression when it is clearly relevant to their life. Song lyrics and student publications being freely developed are areas of high interest to students.

Can schools make other First Amendment areas relevant? Is it possible that a school course could address the due process procedure of student discipline and what rights the student/parent has?

A good survey makes us think, and hopefully gives inspiration to consider action. In response to the current survey results: now, what do we do?

(Joel Martin is assistant superintendent of Oak Hill (Converse, Ind.) United School Corp.  He formerly was principal of Oak Hill High School. He has 20 years experience in teaching and administration.  In his spare time, he has been active in coaching.)