IASP Advocacy Podcast 4.10.26
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In this episode of the IASP Advocacy Podcast, host Cindy Long highlights the importance of civic engagement in schools through a conversation with Rick Davis, principal of Sheridan High School. Davis shares how his school has established a tradition of inviting Indiana legislators to engage directly with students, particularly those in government classes. These interactions, which include candid Q&A sessions, provide students with real-world insights into government operations and empower them to ask thoughtful, sometimes challenging questions—such as one about the complexities of the 'sell-to-bell' phone bill and another on college affordability and 504 accommodations. The episode emphasizes that civic health is not just measured by voting or knowledge, but by active community participation and authentic connections between youth and policymakers. Davis encourages school leaders to take initiative in building these relationships, noting that the process is manageable and yields meaningful outcomes for students, educators, and legislators alike.
Civic engagement is best built through authentic, real-world experiences like inviting legislators into schools.
Student questions can challenge policymakers and reveal nuanced policy implications that aren't always visible in legislative sessions.
School leaders can easily initiate these interactions by reaching out to legislators with a clear, respectful invitation focused on student learning.
Technology integration in schools requires balanced policies—students need phones for academic access, but they also need guidance on responsible use.
These interactions create win-win outcomes: students gain agency, legislators gain insight, and schools build stronger community relationships.
Introduction to Civic Engagement and the 2025 Indiana Civic Health Index
Cindy Long introduces the episode, framing civic health as active community participation and connection to local systems. She highlights the recent Indiana Civic Summit and the release of the 2025 Indiana Civic Health Index, setting the stage for a discussion on how schools can model and build civic engagement.
Rick Davis on His Role and the Origins of the Legislator Visit Tradition
Rick Davis shares his background as a principal and explains how the tradition of inviting legislators to Sheridan High School began through the vision of his superintendent and a school board member, creating a structured yet intimate forum for student-legislator dialogue.
The Power of Student-Led Questions: A Case Study with Rep. Hunter Smith
“But in real life, we're going to have our phones. And even while we're here in school, there are times when we need our phone.”
Civic Health as Relationship-Building and Leadership Development
“They're like, look for ways to lead. And I really appreciate that from my role as a principal, that this is somebody else encouraging our students to look for leadership roles.”
Call to Action: How School Leaders Can Start Their Own Civic Engagement Initiatives
“I would encourage anybody that has even the slightest interest to give it a try. I mean, is there always that little bit of fear? Okay, we're setting these kids in front of them. What are they going to say? What are they going to do? But you just let that go and whatever happens is going to happen.”
“But in real life, we're going to have our phones. And even while we're here in school, there are times when we need our phone.”
“I would encourage anybody that has even the slightest interest to give it a try. I mean, is there always that little bit of fear? Okay, we're setting these kids in front of them. What are they going to say? What are they going to do? But you just let that go and whatever happens is going to happen.”
“Civic health isn't just voting or civic knowledge, but the degree to which citizens are actively participating in their communities and how well our local systems help connect people to that participation.”
Host
Guest
Rick Davis
person
Cindy Long
person
Sheridan High School
organization
Representative Hunter Smith
person
IASP
organization
2025 Indiana Civic Health Index
other
Indiana Civic Summit and Educator Convening
other
iCivics
organization
Dr. Dave Mundy
person
Mr. Hewitt
person
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