New York Civic Learning Week 2025 Events
Did you know all NY students have a right under the state constitution to an education that prepares them for engaged civic lives? Civic readiness is an important purpose of public education and a priority in New York State.
Learn about how our schools can fulfill their vital civic mission. DemocracyReady NY will offer a series of exciting free virtual events and resources during New York Civic Learning Week (CLW) 2025.
Watch NY Civic Learning Week 2025 Events Here
Monday, March 10th at 4:00 - 5:00pm ET - The Right to Civic Education: A Conversation with Judge William E. Smith
U.S. District Judge William E. Smith who wrote the decision in the Rhode Island Civic Education case Cook v. McKee will discuss the case and his views on the importance of civic education with Michael A. Rebell, lead counsel for the plaintiffs and executive director of the Center for Educational Equity at Teachers College, Columbia University.
Tuesday, March 11th at 4:00 - 6:00 pm ET- 3rd Annual Summit on Civic Readiness, Build a Media-Literate Future: Youth Call for Action
Kids demand answers about media literacy. The webinar is a youth-led conversation about the responsibility of schools, big tech, and media creators in shaping how young people consume and understand digital content. Hosted by members of the DemocracyReady NY youth cohort, this event will feature expert insights, engaging discussions, and actionable strategies to support media literacy in an increasingly complex online landscape.
Friday, March 14th at 12:00 pm ET - Media Detectives crack the case of Click Clack Moo! Classroom video, media literacy, approximately 10 minutes, filmed in 3rd grade at Democracy Prep Harlem Elementary
Developing media literacy and critical thinking skills are essential - and possible - in elementary school when you meet kids where they are. Using the children’s classic Click Clack Moo, Cows that Type, this fun elementary classroom game involves children working together to find clues and recognize misinformation in media sources. While in this inquiry process they must think critically - read, share and analyze findings - to solve the mystery: exactly how did those cows learn to type?
Created by Inquiring Minds Institute’s student Think Tank, Brooklyn, NY.