Second Avenue Learning’s ‘Election Edge’ Empowers Students to Think Critically About U.S. History Ahead of Upcoming General Election
Civics education platform provides constantly updated polling data and new verified primary source multimedia
ROCHESTER, NY (Oct. 31, 2024) – Election Edge, an award winning, nonpartisan platform to explore U.S. History and the Presidential election process powered by Second Avenue Learning, now provides verified multimedia primary source materials that empower today’s students to think critically about United States history and the election process. Through the platform, teachers and students have access to curated content, including recordings, videos, political cartoons, photographs and historical documents.
The 2024 general election is a challenging topic for teachers to address in the classroom given today’s political landscape. Election Edge supports teachers in guiding civil discourse in the classroom by providing unbiased, fact-driven data in easily digestible and accessible formats. The platform’s primary source materials enable students to analyze historical elections and context alongside current ones, helping to improve political literacy and civic preparation coupled with nonpartisan data.
“Election Edge has been invaluable in teaching historical presidential elections and covering
contemporary politics. Its intuitive layout and interactive design allow for the creation of engaging lessons, leading to organic conversations and teachable moments,” said David Raymond, an American history teacher in a Northeastern school district of Pennsylvania. “The multitude of sources used and the data-driven features of Election Edge make it a vital tool for taking a non-partisan approach to teaching the presidency.”
There are currently over 100 primary sources available on the Election Edge platform, with more source materials being added each week. Primary source content available in Election Edge aligns with many state required US History and civics courses, as well as AP Government and AP US History, preparing students for advanced education success in grades 6-12. The multimedia materials also align with the evolution of social studies education strategy by supporting inquiry based approaches and building critical thinking skills so students are better prepared to take informed action as they move toward college, careers and civic obligations.
“With many states adapting education standards to emphasize skills like source evaluation and historical reasoning, there is a need for more engaging material that shows how historical events are influenced by cultural context,” said Second Avenue Learning CEO, Victoria Van Voorhis. “By incorporating a variety of source material in different media, students can hear a past president deliver a famous speech, or listen to impactful battle hymns, bringing history to life in a way they can’t experience with a textbook.”
Election Edge is committed to diversity and the inclusion of all students. For audio-recordings, there is alternative text available, as well as transcription features, that allow for all students to experience a comprehensive, engaging history education, preparing them to become well informed and engaged citizens.
To learn more about Election Edge and find out how to integrate the platform into your classroom, visit their website.
About Election Edge
Election Edge is an online platform that brings the U.S. Election Process to life. Gaining students’ attention by utilizing stunning imagery and real-time data generated graphics, students are brought into the learning environment. Tracking the important issues of today and connecting them with the past gives insight into the importance and relevance of what our election process is all about. As students ask, “why is this important to me?”, Election Edge connects the dots, so they understand every vote counts. With fun activities like scavenger hunts and the ability to run your own classroom elections, Election Edge gives you and your students the power to own your learning. If you are interested in getting Election Edge for your classroom, click here.
Media Contact:
Madeleine Martin
madeleine.martin@finnpartners.com
224-436-5267
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