Olivia Wahl
13 April 2026
Part one of my S5E33 Schoolutions conversation, Colleen O'Brien, Ed.D., discusses the critical role of civic education in fostering informed citizens. She argues that providing students with real civic experiences, not just textbook definitions, can shift their engagement from passive observation to active participation. Some Episode Mentions: Dr. Diana Owen, Georgetown University Civic Education Research Lab (CERL)Justice Anthony Kennedy Center for Civic EducationCommon Cause Civics for Colorado (formerly C3LE)Colorado Youth Advisory Council (COYAC)iCivics National School Reform Faculty (student work protocol)We the People Project Citizen Citizen Nation90% of students say it's important to know how government worksMore Information & Upcoming Events from Colleen⏱️ CHAPTERS 0:00 – Introduction: Anxiety vs. Apathy in Civics 1:00 – Meet Colleen O'Brien 2:00 – The Research: 90% of Students Want Civic Education 4:30 – Core Beliefs of Civics for Colorado 5:45 – The Voting Booth Moment: A Story About Student Confidence 8:30 – Why Civics Education Is Uneven Across Colorado 11:30 – The Cost of Low Civic Literacy on Society 14:00 – The Three-Legged Stool: Knowledge, Skills & Action 17:00 – What Justice Kennedy Said About Student Discussion 18:30 – Confidence vs. Arrogance in Civic Participation 19:30 – We the People Program Explained 23:00 – Project Citizen: Student-Led Community Change 26:30 – Civics Starts at the Elementary Level 28:30 – Lightning Round with Colleen O'Brien 29:45 – Wrap-Up & Preview of Part 2 Join our community of educators committed to cultivating student success, inspired teaching, and creating inclusive classrooms with a pro-kid mindset focused on the whole child. When coaches, teachers, administrators, and families work hand in hand, it fosters a school atmosphere where everyone is inspired and every student is fully engaged in their learning journey.
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