Critical thinking governs learning

On Nov. 3, registered voters in Nassau County can vote in the general election. Even though high school students are too young to vote, they are approaching voting age — 18 — and simultaneously learning about the government in school.
With Hewlett High School’s government credit graduation requirement, all students take a government course in their junior or senior year, where they learn foundations of public policy. Hewlett students should be aware of the upcoming local elections and interested in the actions of local officials.
Hewlett offers AP U.S. Government and Policy and AP Comparative Government and Policy, Syracuse University Public Affairs (SUPA), and Participation in Government as courses that fulfill the requirement. The classes vary in curriculum, but they all also require students to attend civic meetings such as the Board of Education, principal advisory and campaign events.
Some students attended the meet the candidates forums hosted by the League of Women Voters at the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library on Oct. 14 and 20.
Candidates introduced themselves and answered questions asked by audience members. Students were interested to hear about some issues they were previously unaware of, including Nassau County’s fiscal problems.  

“I’m glad the government course exposes more students to knowing about the local government,” senior Franny Gould said. “It is important that we choose government officials that best represent our views.”
Students agree learning more in-depth about the government within one of the courses that fulfill the government credit requirement is critical to their high school education. Students learn what government officials do, and about specific societal problems. Learning about policies helps students form a stronger political opinion which is important since they will be able to vote soon.
In SUPA Public Affairs, a college level course offered through Syracuse University’s Project Advance, students discussed different factors that impact their political stance; examples included views of parents and peers, socioeconomic status, and ethnic background. In addition, the constant access to politics in social media also plays an important role in students’ views.
Hewlett students appreciate the government courses offered due to the usefulness of the curriculum. Sometimes, it can be difficult to see how information learned in school is reflected in daily life. However, learning about the government is definitely necessary in order to contribute to society.
“People need to be able to understand all parts of the story and take a stance,” senior Chenab Khakh said. “It’s interesting the way we are taught government not by memorizing facts but by applying public policy protocols.”