Description

Overview
The Washington State Civics unit redefines civic education by centering student voice, community engagement, and critical analysis of power. Designed for grades 8–12, this Ethnic Studies–aligned unit invites students to investigate how systems of government, education policy, and civic discourse impact their daily lives and how they can create change within them.

Rather than a traditional civics survey, this curriculum challenges the idea that education is apolitical. Students explore the intersections of race, equity, and policy in Washington State while developing advocacy skills rooted in the Informed Civic Action Roadmap—a framework that moves from analyzing issues to taking collective action. Through lessons on power mapping, media literacy, coalition building, and campaign strategy, learners design their own civic action proposals connected to real-world issues in their schools and communities.

Rooted in WAESN’s Ethnic Studies Framework, this unit draws on the themes of Action & Reflection, Power & Oppression, and Resistance & Liberation, helping students see themselves as capable agents of change.

Educators will love this unit because it:

• Reimagines civics through an Ethnic Studies and justice-centered framework

• Builds critical thinking, organizing, and advocacy skills

• Connects directly to Washington State Social Studies Standards and the C3 Framework

• Includes digital tools, templates, and resources for civic action projects

• Culminates in a Student Civic Action Showcase or publication opportunity

Format & Duration

• 14+ lessons (50–100 minute sessions)

• Designed for grades 8–12 (Social Studies or Civics courses)

• Adaptable for classroom, advisory, or project-based learning models

What’s Included

• Complete lesson plans and slides

• Organizing toolkit (meeting agendas, stakeholder maps, and legislative tracker)

• Power analysis and media literacy activities

• Templates for student-led civic action campaigns

• Optional “Save Denny Blaine” mini-unit for historical and advocacy context

Developed by educator, activist, and community lobbyist, Oliver Miska, with support from the WAESN Curriculum Team and College Spark Washington, this unit equips educators to transform civics into a living, relevant practice—one that empowers youth to speak, organize, and lead within their own communities.