Hess serves as the dean of the School of Education and holds the Karen A. Falk Distinguished Chair of Education.

Hess, who used to teach social studies at the high school level, remarks that it was difficult to include civics education into her history curriculum. Unlike many other states, Wisconsin does not require a dedicated civics course.

According to Hess’s own research, standalone civics courses make a powerful difference in engaging young adults. In a 2005-09 study, Hess and a colleague conducted research in 21 schools across three states to study controversial political discussions in the classroom. She found that a more interactive discussion model promoted deeper engagement, over a typical lecture-style model.

Hess tells the Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism that civics education does not necessarily need to be mandated by the state, but schools should take initiative to start civics education on their own.

Almost two decades ago, Hess was a part of a taskforce that unsuccessfully pushed for a standalone civics course requirement. Although some thought a civics course was low priority, Hess urges that Wisconsin take another look at the idea and start the conversation again.

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