Chester E. Finn, Jr. of the Fordham Institute recently published a critique of the 2018 Brown Center Report on American Education. This post briefly responds to his primary critique.

Finn laments that the report espouses a view of civics education in which knowledge doesn’t really matter. That isn’t what the report says. We agree with Finn that building a strong foundation of knowledge is essential. In our view, a well-rounded civics education develops students’ civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Developing skills and dispositions alone — without instilling a basic knowledge of government, history, and more — would leave students with the desire and skillset to participate constructively in political life without having a core of information and context to guide that participation. That isn’t a desirable outcome, and the report is clear on that point.

Where we disagree with Finn — strongly — is his apparent view that preparing students for civic life is really just about instilling facts. We think that an honest, careful look at the country right now exposes that view as misguided and even dangerous.

Read the full article about why civics education should be more than just facts at Brookings.