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California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Educating for Democracy Preparing Students to Become Engaged Citizens: The Civic Mission of Schools (date of presentation) (Name of Presenter) (Presenter’s Organization)

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Page 1: California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Educating for Democracy Preparing Students to Become Engaged Citizens: The Civic Mission of Schools

California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools

Educating for Democracy

Preparing Students to Become Engaged Citizens:

The Civic Mission of Schools

(date of presentation)

(Name of Presenter)(Presenter’s Organization)

Page 2: California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Educating for Democracy Preparing Students to Become Engaged Citizens: The Civic Mission of Schools

Goals of this Presentation

Introduce the national and statewide efforts to develop engaged citizens.

Summarize key research.

Provide resources and examples of what schools and school boards can do to strengthen civic education.

Page 3: California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Educating for Democracy Preparing Students to Become Engaged Citizens: The Civic Mission of Schools

In 2001 a report was released by the

Carnegie Corporation of New York and the

Center for Information and Research on Civics and Civic Engagement

(CIRCLE).

This report, The Civic Mission of Schools, represents years of research on how we, as a

nation, educate for democracy.

Page 4: California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Educating for Democracy Preparing Students to Become Engaged Citizens: The Civic Mission of Schools

CMS Goals of Civic EducationWe must prepare all of America’s young people to be competent and responsible citizens.

Citizens who:

are informed and thoughtful and have a knowledge of history and how American democracy works.

participate in their communities and work with others to address cultural, social, and political issues.

act politically by having the skills, knowledge and commitment to accomplish public purposes.

are socially responsible, tolerant, and believe in the capacity to make a difference.

Page 5: California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Educating for Democracy Preparing Students to Become Engaged Citizens: The Civic Mission of Schools

Six Promising Approaches for Civic Education

1. Formal instruction in history, civics, and law…

Research reminds us that this instruction must be engaging and motivating for students. Professional development for teachers in the subject matter is important, too.

Page 6: California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Educating for Democracy Preparing Students to Become Engaged Citizens: The Civic Mission of Schools

2. Discussion of current local, national, and international issues and events.

Teachers need to create learning environments conducive to open discussion. Students should be provided with materials and background that promotes varied and balanced perspectives on issues they will discuss.

Page 7: California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Educating for Democracy Preparing Students to Become Engaged Citizens: The Civic Mission of Schools

3. Service Learning linked to the curriculum.

8th graders are treated to a Constitution Fair put on by a high school government class as its culminating service project.

For example, cross-age teaching.

5th graders get a U.S. History lesson from 8th Graders

Page 8: California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Educating for Democracy Preparing Students to Become Engaged Citizens: The Civic Mission of Schools

4. Extra-curricular activities that provide opportunities for students to get involved in their schools and communities, apply academic and civic skills, and develop positive civic dispositions.

Student leadership groups meet to address issues they care about.

Page 9: California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Educating for Democracy Preparing Students to Become Engaged Citizens: The Civic Mission of Schools

5. Student voice – opportunities to practice decision-making skills, develop appropriate communication/presentation skills, and practice engaged citizenship.

Students participate in dialogue and discussion about important school issues.

Page 10: California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Educating for Democracy Preparing Students to Become Engaged Citizens: The Civic Mission of Schools

6. Simulations and other interactive strategies that model democratic processes.

Students participate in mock legislative hearings through the We The People program.

Elementary students participate in the trial of “A. Wolf” and older students take part in the California Mock Trial program.

Page 11: California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Educating for Democracy Preparing Students to Become Engaged Citizens: The Civic Mission of Schools

California Campaign for the

Civic Mission of Schools

A statewide initiative organized by Constitutional Rights Foundation in collaboration with the Center for

Civic Education

Educating for Democracy

Page 12: California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Educating for Democracy Preparing Students to Become Engaged Citizens: The Civic Mission of Schools

The Campaign is working with

Legislators

Superintendents

School Boards

Education organizations

Community & parent organizations.

The Campaign involves working in several areas:

Policy

Research

Public Outreach

Demonstration Schools

Page 13: California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Educating for Democracy Preparing Students to Become Engaged Citizens: The Civic Mission of Schools

The California Survey of Civic Education

Sample:

2,366 Students – Surveyed in spring of their senior year, wide range of race, ethnicity, achievement levels, socioeconomic status, rural, urban, suburban

Purpose:

Understanding of California students’ civic knowledge, skills, dispositions and opportunities

Page 14: California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Educating for Democracy Preparing Students to Become Engaged Citizens: The Civic Mission of Schools

Findings: Knowledge

Many Students Lack Basic Civic Knowledge• 50% could not identify the correct function of the Supreme Court

• 33% could not identify either of California’s U.S. Senators from among a list of options

Adults

• 38% of adults could name the three branches of government

• 59% could name the three Stooges

Page 15: California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Educating for Democracy Preparing Students to Become Engaged Citizens: The Civic Mission of Schools

Students intend to vote, but…

Intend to Vote

Feel Informed to Vote

Committed to Participation

Feel Informed on Issues

Hav e Political Interest

Hav e Social & Political Trust

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

California High School Students' Civic Perspectives

High School Seniors Level of Trust is Very Low.• 33% agreed that “I trust the people in Gov’t to do what is right for the country” • 28% agreed that “people in government care what people like me and my family need.”

Page 16: California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Educating for Democracy Preparing Students to Become Engaged Citizens: The Civic Mission of Schools

Different interventions impact the development of

civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Providing

varied and numerous opportunities matters.

We need to ensure civic education opportunities for all students.

Page 17: California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Educating for Democracy Preparing Students to Become Engaged Citizens: The Civic Mission of Schools

We are working with ten school districts around the state that have designated one

lead high school to pilot a process of enhancing civic education

Larry Smith, on behalf of Montebello Unified School District, receives a plaque from Jack O’Connell and Dave Gordon.

Districts: Bakersfield, Elk Grove, Eureka, LA, Montello, Pleasanton,

Sacramento, San Mateo, Shasta, West Contra Costa

Page 18: California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Educating for Democracy Preparing Students to Become Engaged Citizens: The Civic Mission of Schools

Law-Related Education

Mock Elections

Teaching American History Grants

Mock Trials

We the People

Project Citizen

Civic related Academies/Small Learning Communities

History Day in California

Civic focused Service-Learning in American Gov/Econ classes

Civic focused senior projects

Examples of Programs and Initiatives that Support Quality Civic Education

Page 19: California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Educating for Democracy Preparing Students to Become Engaged Citizens: The Civic Mission of Schools

California Campaign for the Civic Mission of School Resources Available On-Line

Local and state resolutions and civic education policies

Lesson Plans and Curriculum Resources

Educating for Democracy Awards and Recognition Program

co-sponsored by:

California Department of Education, the California School Boards Association, the California County Superintendents Education Services Association, the Association of California School Administrators, the California Council for the Social Studies, the California Teachers Association (invited), California Federation of Teachers, and the State PTA.

www.cms-ca.org

Page 20: California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools Educating for Democracy Preparing Students to Become Engaged Citizens: The Civic Mission of Schools