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The Close Up Current Issues Blog, updated weekly throughout the school year, helps teachers connect current events to their students and classrooms. We know that teaching the news can be time-consuming; by the time you find important issues and identify how to teach them, they are old news. That’s where our blog comes in: unpacking issues in the headlines by providing relevant context, links to classroom-ready news items, and suggested prompts for thoughtful discussion.
Post | October 17, 2018
What’s Up? There are 35 Senate seats up for grabs in 2018 (including two—Minnesota and Mississippi—that are up for special election). Of those 35 seats, 26 of them are currently held by Democrats. The Current Situation Republicans currently hold the majority (51 seats) in the Senate; Democrats hold 47 seats and independents hold two seats. […]
Post | October 15, 2018
Although Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s appointment was ultimately successful, the question remains of whether or not it will be an instance of winning the battle but losing the war with regard to the 2018 midterm elections. Some commentators have suggested that had Justice Kavanaugh’s confirmation failed, it might have sparked a backlash among voters in both […]
Post | October 11, 2018
As we continue to debate the role that hacking played in the 2016 election, government officials and others are grappling with the future of American elections,especially next month’s midterm elections. People who are concerned with the long-term civic and political health of the United States understand that free and fair elections are a fundamental component […]
Post | October 8, 2018
Why do young people vote at lower rates than other groups? There are a number of possible reasons. Today, we will look at one possible factor: that the political arena does not address the concerns of young voters. Below, you’ll find a discussion guide and a few resources to help students think about the decision […]
Post | September 30, 2018
A few ways to keep students engaged with the midterm elections include tracking public opinion polling in your state, keeping track of national trends, and monitoring important Senate, House, and gubernatorial races. Begin by visiting the following links: Vox outlines the stakes in the midterm elections Explore RealClearPolitics’ Senate, House, and gubernatorial maps Some questions […]
Post | September 30, 2018
The 2018 midterm elections are upon us and control of Congress is at stake! For most people, the election will be less than 75 days away when the school year starts, and state primaries may already be over. Preparing new voters In the months leading up to Election Day, we will use this blog space […]
Post | September 30, 2018
Teaching the news is time consuming and complicated; by the time you are able to find and process important issues and identify how to teach them, they are old news. This site will be updated frequently with links to classroom-ready news items, relevant context, and suggested teaching activities and discussion questions. Teaching Controversial Issues We […]