Closing America's civic education deficit

By Sandra Day O'Connor

Philadelphia Inquirer, September 16, 2011 - Every morning at the beginning of class, students all over America stand and place their right hands over their hearts to give the Pledge of Allegiance. Sadly, for too many kids, this will be the limit of their civic education and engagement.

At a time when our nation is making decisions about fundamental, long-term priorities - economic solvency, budget parameters, health policy, the United States' role in a volatile world, and more - too few Americans are prepared to join or benefit from the debate. Barely a third of our fellow citizens can name the three branches of government, and an equal number cannot name even one. Less than 20 percent of eighth graders know why the Declaration of Independence was written.

The Civic Mission of Schools

By Les Francis

Huffington Post, September 16, 2011 - Most Americans, polls tell us, are disgusted with the way their federal government is working -- or more precisely, not working. As someone who has worked in the political and public policy arenas, at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue, I share the public's disillusionment and frustration. The climate for governing is worse than I have ever seen it.

There are many possible reasons to be offered for the policy stalemates and rancorous debates that precede them. Ideological polarization, exaggerated impacts of well-organized and well-funded special interests, and the effects of cycle after cycle of highly negative and poisonous campaigns represent just three factors that we think are responsible for the current situation.

Survey: Americans don't know Constitution, civics

By Catalina Camia

USA Today, September 16, 2011 - How well do you know and understand the U.S. Constitution?

A new survey released today shows Americans don't have a good grasp of the Constitution or its powers, highlighting the need for better civic education. Saturday marks the 224th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution.

"These failings threaten the future of our democracy," wrote retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, in a column for The Philadelphia Inquirer. "If we don't know what makes this country special and worth saving, how will we know how to safeguard its promise of freedom and opportunity."

‘More and Better Civic Learning’…Just not in the CSU

Life in the CSU, September 16, 2011 - “This is a critical time in our nation’s history, and our future is not assured. We have to work at it, and that work most certainly includes more and better civic learning” Les Francis concludes in his essay for the Huffington Post this morning.

The report Guardian of Democracy: The Civic Mission of Schools reports on the failure of our education system to produce critical and engaged public citizens. Among the highlights of the report are findings that a third of students believe that Barack Obama is a Muslim, and that George W. Bush was complicit in the 9/11 attack. The report, sponsored by the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, offers a long list of solutions for dealing with the appalling lack of civic knowledge and engagement. At the center of it all is the need for schools to make civic education an integral part of their mission.

Guardian of Democracy: The Civic Mission of Schools

By Peter Levine

Tufts Roundtable Commons, September 15, 2011 - (Philadelphia) I am at the National Constitution Center to help release Guardian of Democracy, a successor report to The Civic Mission of Schools, which CIRCLE and Carnegie Corporation of New York released in 2003. The original report became the charter document of the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, the nation’s leading advocacy campaign in civics.Guardian of Democracy reflects another eight years of research, experience, and organizing. Many people were involved in producing the new report, which I consider the guide to policy for civic education.

A day to celebrate the Constitution

By Julie Shaw

Philadelphia Inquirer, September 17, 2011 - "IF YOU WANT a job, go help your neighbor."

So says David Smith, executive director of the National Conference on Citizenship, who released a report yesterday suggesting that communities with stronger levels of civic engagement have seen smaller increases in unemployment during recent years.

Smith, speaking at the National Constitution Center, said he realizes that that statement simplifies things, but "as people volunteer, they develop marketable skills and increase their social networks."

Sandra Day O'Connor honors Constitution in Philly

By Patrick Walters

The Associated Press, September 16, 2011 - PHILADELPHIA — Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor returned to the National Constitution Center on Friday to commemorate the 224th anniversary of the document's signing and promote the importance of civics education in a ceremony that was far less dramatic than her first appearance there eight years ago.

At the center just across the street from Independence Hall, the nation's first female Supreme Court justice joined a group of high school students as they recited the preamble and cheerleaders performed. Saturday is Constitution Day, which marks the anniversary of the signing in Philadelphia.

Are Our Schools Doing Their Part to Fulfill the Promise of the Constitution?

By Judge Frank Damrell

Civic Connector, September 17, 2011 - In January, the United States House of Representative commenced the 112th Session of Congress by requiring each Member to participate in the recitation of the United States Constitution in its entirety on the floor of the House chamber. While some praised this as a refreshing acknowledgment of the primacy of the American Credo contained in the Constitution, others complained that these were really obscurantists using the Constitution to trumpet their own political agenda; and yet others just ignored it as political grandstanding. Whatever your views are, at least the U.S. Constitution was talked about for a few days outside of a Supreme Court opinion. Maybe we should count that as progress of sorts.

Unsurprisingly, since that public recitation, the Constitution has been returned to the partisan quiver to be used only as political ammunition against one’s opponents. While the Constitution has been a weapon of choice since 1787, it does seem that for the first time since the Civil War period, many have lost sight of the common ground it provides all Americans.

Promoting civic engagement in schools

By Erica Green

The Baltimore Sun, September 16, 2011 - In light of Constitution Day, and in the wake of the city's recent record-low voter turnout this week, I thought I'd share an effort that seeks to promote civic engagement in schools.

Today, former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor championed an effort undertaken by the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, a coalition of 40 organizations committed policies that would improve civic learning in grades K-12.

The organization released a full report with analysis and policy recommendations for civic engagement in schools. O'Connor also wrote an interesting op-ed in the Philadelphia Inquirer about what she called "America's civic education deficit"

U.S. Must Bolster Civic Learning in Schools, Report Says

By Erik Robelen

Education Week, September 19, 2011 - American democracy is falling short amid Washington gridlock, a divided citizenry, and the "overwhelmingly influence of money in politics," declares a new report. The answer? Well, the authors say, "there is no single solution" but they suggest that reinvigorating civic education in schools is an important and desperately needed step. And they call for a series of actions, such as holding schools and districts accountable for student achievement in civics and establishing a federal awards program for excellence in civic learning modeled on the Blue Ribbon Schools program.

"Ultimately, schools are the guardians of democracy," says the report, coauthored by several organizations, including the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools—co-chaired by former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor—and the American Bar Association's Division for Public Education. "Improved civic learning can address many of our democratic shortfalls."

Building a stronger democracy through civic engagement and youth involvement

Campaign for Stronger Democracy, September 16, 2011 - It has been a big week for new reports from the democracy field, with four new ones being released. These reports and websites examine how voting, volunteerism, public participation, youth involvement, education and civic engagement as a whole can impact communities and serve as the cornerstones of American democracy.

A more civically engaged community, as noted in NCoC and CIRCLE’s study (right), not only better weathers an economic recession, but also creates better governments. When people vote, volunteer, and work in groups with others in the community, not only is democracy in better shape, but through networks created from civic participation, unemployment rates can remain more steady. The collaboration between NCoC and the Corporation on National and Community Service below tracks these engagement activities.

A Call for Civic Innovators

By David B. Smith

The Case Foundation, September 13, 2011 - The national narrative this past week, from the President’s address to Congress to the Republican candidate debate, was focused on how America can innovate its way out of these tough economic times. Connected to this conversation about stabilizing our economy and reducing the unemployment rate, our nation needs to find ways to innovate our way out of this civic depression as well.

To address exactly this topic, the National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC), the Case Foundation, and Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement (PACE) are convening the Third Annual Civic Innovator’s Forum (CIF) in partnership with the National Constitution Center on September 15 in Philadelphia.

Guardian of Democracy: The Civic Mission of Schools

Kids Voting USA, September 19, 2011 - The Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, the Leonore Annenberg Institute of Civics of the Annenberg Public Policy Center, the National Conference on Citizenship, CIRCLE and the Public Education Division of the American Bar Association presented the Guardian of Democracy: The Civic Mission of Schools Report on September 15th. This is the much anticipated follow up to the 2003 ‘Civic Missions of Schools’ Report.

Guardian of Democracy: The Civic Mission of Schools is an urgent call for action to restore the historic civic mission of our nation’s schools. This new report provides research-based evidence of the decline in civic learning in American schools and presents six proven practices that should be at the heart of every school’s approach to civic learning. It also provides recommendations for education policy makers to ensure every student acquires the civic skills and knowledge needed for an informed, engaged citizenry.

Civic education is antidote to our cynicism

By Andrea Neal

Northwest Indiana Times, September 21, 2011 - "My vote doesn't matter." That's how a 23-year-old Hoosier justified his failure to vote in the past several elections. It's a surprisingly common attitude. According to the first ever report on Indiana's civic health, Hoosiers register to vote, cast ballots and talk politics a lot less than citizens in other states.

Indiana Chief Justice Randall Shepard, who co-chaired the civic health initiative with former U.S. Rep. Lee Hamilton, says the results of the study are "counterintuitive." On the one hand, Hoosiers exceed the national average in the percentage of citizens involved in community groups. Thirty-six percent of us belong to religious, neighborhood, school, sports and other organizations, putting us at 21st in the nation in that category.

Civic Literacy

Midday w/ Dan Rodricks

WYPR, September 21, 2011 - The NPR station in Baltimore (WYPR) dedicates an hour to discussing the report, Guardian of Democracy: The Civic Mission of Schools, and the implications it has for our children and our country. Guests include Congressman Lee H. Hamilton, co-chair of the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, Ted McConnell, Executive Director of the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, Judith Torney-Purta, professor at University of Maryland College Park and an expert in civics, and Marcie Taylor-Thoma, co-chair of the Maryland Commission on Civic Literacy.

O'Connor: Students lack civics understanding

By Cathryn Creno

The Arizona Republic, September 26, 2011 - Today's high school students active with volunteer work, although most cannot name the three branches of government, according to the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools.

Knowledge of what used to be "basic high school civics" is at an all-time low, according to the national organization, which is co-chaired by former Supreme Court Justice and Arizona resident Sandra Day O'Connor.

According to a study by O'Connor's group, Americans under the age of 25 are less likely to vote than their older counterparts or young people of past decades.

Guardian of Democracy: The Civic Mission of Schools

Youth Service America, September 29, 2011 - Guardian of Democracy: The Civic Mission of Schools, is an urgent call for action to restore the historic civic mission of our nation's schools. This new report provides research-based evidence of the decline in civic learning in American schools and presents six proven practices that should be at the heart of every school's approach to civic learning. It also provides recommendations for education policymakers to ensure every student acquires the civic skills and knowledge needed for an informed, engaged citizenry.

Get Your Civics On!

EDUWONK, September 17, 2011 - David Feith’s book “Teaching America” on civics education is just out. It’s a compilation of essays – I wrote one – and you can learn more through the website. There is an event in NYC next week to discuss it and events in D.C.

And a new report on civics education from the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools. It’s a follow-up to their 2003 “Civic Mission of Schools” report. Here’s the report. And here’s Les Francis on that one.

Improve civics education

By Mike McCurry

Politico, October 2, 2011 - Just days ago, we marked the 224th anniversary of the signing of our United States Constitution. Teachers across the country maybe spent some time — but likely not a lot — talking about the birth of our great nation and the principles upon which it was founded.

Why has the study of civics and American history become a second- or third-tier part of curriculum for our elementary and high school kids? Why do we put such little emphasis on the importance of knowing how our country evolved, how it met (or in some cases failed to meet) challenges or what — even with our faults — makes us an exceptional nation?

Given the miserable condition of civil discourse in our public policy arenas, is this inattention to civics and history acceptable?

New Civic Mission of Schools Report

By Jan Goehring

The Thicket, September 30, 2011 - Guardian of Democracy: The Civic Mission of Schools is a new report that documents the decline in civic education in schools, describes six effective practices for civic learning and offers recommendations for education policymakers. The report strongly argues that investing in civic learning strengthens American democracy.

Guardian describes how American schools either neglect civic education or teach it in a superficial way. Other topics take precedence. However, research shows that civic learning improves civic knowledge, skills and dispositions. "Students who received high-quality civic learning are more likely than their counterparts to understand public issues, view political engagement as a means of addressing communal challenges, and participate in civic activities. Civic learning has similarly been shown to promote civic equality."

Civics in the Harkin Education Bill

By Peter Levine

Tufts Roundtable Commons, October 14, 2011 - (Washington, DC) Since President Bush signed “No Child Left Behind” (NCLB) in 2002, that has been the name of the comprehensive federal education statute. The name will be dropped, but the law will sooner or later be amended and reauthorized under its original title: the “Elementary and Secondary Education Act” (ESEA).

NCLB had basically nothing to say about civic education, except that some vestigial provisions were left over from earlier legislation. The law’s neglect was not benign: 2002-2011 has been a bad decade for civics, culminating with the termination of all federal funding last spring.

Praise for HELP Committee's Bipartisan Bill to Fix No Child Left Behind

U.S. SENATE DOCUMENTS, October 21, 2011 - (WASHINGTON) Last night, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee approved a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act by a vote of 15-7. The legislation, which overhauls the No Child Left Behind Act, will now be sent to the full Senate for consideration.

Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools:

"The Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, a coalition of over seventy national education, civic engagement and civil rights organizations, is most gratified that the United States Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions Committee has included authorization for a competitive grant program for civic learning in its Bill re-authorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The Campaign, Co - Chaired by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and former Congressman Lee Hamilton, was very pleased to note that the new competitive grant program for civic learning stresses innovation and serving currently under-served school populations. We salute Chairman Tom Harkin, Ranking Member Mike Enzi, and the Committee members for their commitment to the civic mission of our nation's schools, to prepare each generation to take its place as informed and engaged citizens of our nation."

Social Studies education is key to preparing our next generation

CNN, Schools of Thought, December 1, 2011 - The Arab Spring, Climate Change, Occupy Wall Street, Race to the White House, and the Super Committee. Real challenges in today’s world require great thinkers, innovative problem solvers and engaged citizens of a global community. How do we prepare the next generation to address these complex challenges?

The answer lies with Social Studies education. No other subject area offers the core content knowledge and deep critical thinking about the history of the world; the impact of geography on people, places and events; the cause and effect of complex economic conditions; and the role and responsibilities of governments and citizens. Social Studies provide the background knowledge, capacity for problem solving and critical thinking, as well as the collaboration and communication skills needed to address today’s problems head on in intelligent, thoughtful ways. And whether students’ lives lead them to college or the workforce, they must also be prepared to address complex challenges as effective, engaged citizens of our nation and our world in the 21st century.