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
Colorado approved just 14 of 54 homeschool enrichment programs. What should the state’s permanent rules look like?

Over the summer, state officials began to crack down on programs that provide ski passes, martial arts classes, and private piano lessons to homeschoolers. Only 14 were approved, laying the foundation for stricter rules.

By 
Ann Schimke
 | October 9
Hochul embraces GOP-backed federal education tax credit over teachers union’s objections

School choice supporters hope the New York governor’s decision will sway other Democrats.

By 
Erica Meltzer
and
Alex Zimmerman
 | October 9
Could NYC schools return to paper standardized tests? State officials are considering it

New York just finished transitioning state exams to computers. Now, amid a backlash to classroom technology, officials are considering whether to allow a return to paper.

By 
Alex Zimmerman
 | October 9
Trump said, ‘Let them take out San Diego.’ Here's how students and schools responded.

Trump's remarks about San Diego being attacked have rattled some students in a city already on edge over immigration enforcement. Teachers are navigating those fears.

By 
Lily Altavena
 | October 9
Chicago Public Schools wants to standardize student fees

The district says its proposed changes are meant to create a more equitable fee structure for all schools.

By 
Reema Amin
 | October 8
NYC's sweeping classroom device ban gets its first exception

The reversal allows a major CUNY tutoring program to continue offering virtual reading lessons to young students who need extra support.

By 
Alex Zimmerman
 | October 9