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Learn more about the Citizens' GPS program and see the curriculum
Call it a road map to help students navigate the twists and turns of local government.
A group of Knox County high school students has developed an online curriculum to empower peers and encourage them to do their civic duty.
"We wanted to create a program that would teach kids how to address problems in the community," said Missy Denton, 17, a rising senior at Hardin Valley Academy, who came up with the idea. "So when they grow up, they know how to make a difference and not just sit around and complain about it."
Denton, along with other members of the Knoxville/Knox County Mayors' Youth Action Council, partnered with the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy at the University of Tennessee to come up with the Citizens' Guide to Problem Solving - or Citizens' GPS program.
It's a three-lesson plan complete with worksheets and problem-solving activities and can be incorporated into Knox County government or civics classes.
Want to know how to get speed bumps or stop signs in your neighborhood? Voice an opinion on a school board decision? Put together a community league? The program will walk students through the process.
Millicent Smith, the school system's social studies supervisor, looked over the curriculum to ensure it met all local government requirements for the state of Tennessee and the county.
While it's primarily geared toward teachers in Knox County, the program can be adapted to other counties, said Leah Adinolfi of the Baker Center, who put together the website.
Youth Action Council students looked through the school system's current curriculum and found plenty on state and national government. But it was lacking in information about local government, which directly affects them, said Liam Trainor, 17, a rising senior at South-Doyle High School, who designed the logo on the Citizens' GPS site.
"The local government really should be your first step," he said.
Many people assume teens aren't paying attention to government, Trainor said.
"I think that they deserve more credit than they might be given," he said. "If they have the opportunity to change something they really care about, they'd love to do it."
Lola Alapo may be reached at 865-342-6376. Visit her education page athttp://www.facebook.com/lolaknoxnews.
© 2011, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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