“ Knowledge of our system of governance and our rights and responsibilities as citizens is not passed along through the gene pool. Each generation of Americans must be taught these basics.”

– Justice Sandra Day O’Connor

Restoring the Civic Mission of Schools

The Future of Our Democracy

The civic mission of schools is not a new concept. Our nation’s public schools were founded to develop citizens with knowledge, and the rights and responsibilities of self-government. Yet formal civic education has almost vanished from the curriculum in most schools. We must provide our youngest generation with the understanding of our constitutional system, and an appreciation for the achievements of, and opportunities provided by, self-government. Failure to do so will imperil the future of our democracy.

WHERE DOES ILLINOIS STAND?

47th

48th

45th

Civic Education

Trust Government

Vote in local elections

Work within their communities to solve problems

Speak to or exchange favors with neighbors

based on 50 states and D.C.Illinois Civic Health Index, 2012

Gallup, 2014

Paul Simon Institute, 2014

4 out of 10 high school students graduate without a civics or government course

40 out of 50 states require a standalone civics or government course to graduate Illinois is not one of them

of Illinois residents have little to no trust in state government compared to 40% nationally

89% of Illinoisans feel corruption is at least somewhat common with 53% believing it’s very common

are LESS likely to:

than peers in other states

70%

Illinois Millennials(18-29)

Healy, 2014

CIRCLE, 2012

Top 10 Benefits of Quality Civic Education

• Strengthens the basic understanding of our structures

of government, along with related processes of legislation

and policy making.

• Enhances “21st century competencies” that are valued

by colleges, universities and employers.

• Closes the civic achievement gap across race, ethnicity,

income and parental educational attainment.

• Lowers high school dropout rates.

• Creates a positive school climate that supports students

feeling socially, emotionally and physically safe.

• Builds news literacy skills necessary for gathering

information to make reasoned decisions on critical

issues affecting our country.

• Increases volunteerism and work on community issues.

• Enhances democratic accountability of elected officials.

• Improves government transparency.

• Increases voting and discussions of politics in the home.

How You Can Make A Difference

• Contact your elected officials and urge them to support

civic education in schools.

• Attend local school board meetings and encourage

members to support effective Pre-K-12 civic learning.

• Volunteer time and resources to help schools provide

effective civic learning experiences.

• Discuss current events and political issues with your children.

• Encourage your friends and family to take an interest

and volunteer in their local community.

• Vote in state, local and national elections.

To learn more about restoring the the civic mission of schools in Illinois visit www.McCormickFoundation/Civics.

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