The prestigious Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI) announced the results of a nationwide survey of civic learning at 50 of America's top colleges. ISI's President, T. Kenneth Cribb, Jr., pointed to one key variable in the study: family structure. Students whose parents discussed current events in the home did better. (Emphasis added)  The ISI administered a 60-question multiple choice test to 14,000 students. The questions covered U.S. history, economics, foreign affairs, and political science. … "Dismal," "disappointing," "worrisome" were some of the words used by the ISI panel to describe the students' scores. Overall, college seniors scored 53.2%--a failing grade. ISI survey administrators warned of a crisis in citizenship unless these results change. They noted that political and civic participation is directly linked to student knowledge of the American system of government and politics. Some of the most prestigious colleges and universities ranked at the bottom of the list (see americancivicliteracy.org).

Citizens need to hold the colleges and universities of "higher education" accountable for these dismal results.  As well, parents should consider this report's findings when selecting a college.  But I digress.

Parents have got a tough job to do. Many Moms and Dads are trying to balance ten things at once.  But you still need to parent your kids.  TV sets, computers, PlayStation, video games, text messaging friends, etc., consume most kid's free time.  Instead of allowing them to be influenced by the god of electronics, get them involved in a worthwhile adventure.  Press them to help people in need. Kids in a California school had a friend who needed an organ transplant, and guess what?  They stepped up to the plate!

"My older daughter's school organized a "March for Mia" in which the student collected pledges or flat donations, then they "marched" around the playground for an hour to fun, upbeat music. They had a local ice cream parlor donate ice cream for the students to enjoy after they had completed their march. They were able to get local news coverage--both TV and newspaper. I don't remember the exact amount, but the students were able to raise $2,000-$3,000! … Then we were able to get a local screen printer to donate t-shirts that said, "I Marched For Mia." Every time the kids wore them, they raised more money by answering the questions of people who asked about their shirts." [3]

It's not unusual for children to ask what they can do to help children they've seen on TV who have lost family members, homes, belongings and pets to natural disasters. Here are some tips from Victora Fleming, Executive Director of North Shore Wellness Services:

General Tips for Parents:
·  Provide thoughtful supervision
·  Let kids make the decisions
·  Be the connection between the effort and outcome
·  Help your child do some research in advance
·  Make sure the recipient details are clear
Ways your kids can get involved:
·  Lemonade stand or bake sale
·  Craft sale
·  Blood donations at age 16 with consent
·  Neighborhood door-to-door efforts

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