NationalTeaching & ClassroomStudent Voices

High schoolers: How important is this year’s election? Tell us.

By 
Caroline Bauman
 | February 22, 2024, 7:00pm UTC
An illustration with small details showing books, computers, graduation caps and election symbols surround a large green backpack on a white background.
The 2024 U.S. presidential election will dominate conversations. Chalkbeat and The New York Times want to hear from high school students about how this moment feels inside your classrooms. (LeeAndra Cianci / The New York Times)

Dear high schoolers,

This year’s U.S. presidential election will dominate conversations worldwide. This fall, American citizens will once again cast their votes, and the two leading contenders are poised to be the same ones from four years ago. 2024 might feel eerily similar to the tumultuous 2020 presidential election and its aftermath.

Once again, inside your classrooms, history is being taught at the very moment it’s being made.

Related
Educators: How are you planning to teach about the 2024 presidential election?

Since this could be the first election you’ll have a chance to vote in, we’re eager to know how important this moment feels in your classes and to you and your friends. Are you closely following the campaign? Or does it feel not that connected to your life?

The New York Times’ Headway team and Chalkbeat want to hear directly from you. Take a moment to complete our questionnaire below, and we’ll be in touch with you soon.

The Latest
What are Denver class sizes? Teachers union alleges not all schools are reporting the data.

The Denver Classroom Teachers Association has filed a grievance alleging that Denver Public Schools is violating a new provision of the teachers contract.

By 
Melanie Asmar
 | November 21
Colorado receives $5.6 million to help rural college students become workforce-ready

State lawmakers approved an initiative this year that aims to help students connect their education to the workforce.

By 
Jason Gonzales
 | November 21
Few high schoolers are riding the Detroit district’s yellow bus pilot

The district is exploring ways to continue to boost ridership. The project began to improve attendance.

By 
Hannah Dellinger
 | November 21
Charter, IPS advocacy groups react to proposed changes to who governs Indianapolis schools

Proposed governance changes from the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance range from an elected IPS board that oversees both district and charter schools to an IPS board fully appointed by the mayor.

By 
Amelia Pak-Harvey
 | November 21
Mamdani wants to end mayoral control of NYC schools. Eric Adams already ceded some of it.

Mayor Eric Adams has lost control of New York City’s school board. He no longer has a majority of appointees, and members have rejected several proposals recently.

By 
Alex Zimmerman
 | November 21
Illinois State Board of Education members question proposed changes to school accountability system

The state board’s current proposal would drop the 9th Grade On-Track metric from the calculation used to label schools based on performance. The changes have raised concerns for board members and local advocates.

By 
Samantha Smylie
 | November 21