by Pennsylvania First Lady Judge Marjorie Rendell

As First Lady of Pennsylvania and as a federal judge, I have chosen to advocate for a greater focus on citizenship learning -- what we used to call "civics" in our schools, not just at the voting age, but throughout the K-12 curriculum. In that role, I am advocating for making changes in the area of our children's learning through a collaborative effort called PennCORD (Pennsylvania's Coalition for Representative Democracy) in partnership with the National Constitution Center, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils, and others.

To reinforce my efforts, I am frequently meeting with school administrators, teachers, students and local media as I travel across the commonwealth. I voice not just concern, but alarm, as to the level of understanding that our young citizens have regarding what the framers of our Constitution envisioned 200 years ago.

A recent study released by the John S. & John L. Knight Foundation indicates that the vast majority of our youth do not understand, or truly respect, the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of speech and free press. More than one in three high school students thinks the First Amendment "goes too far" in the rights that it guarantees. Fully half believe that the government should be able to clear stories for newspaper publication, and many believe that flag burning is, and should be against the law. Are America's schools leaving the First Amendment behind and failing to instill in students an appreciation and understanding of the basic rights of American citizens -- those basic freedoms that make this country a democracy?

I have struggled to find reason for this disconnect, but have failed in my attempts. Could it be that the level of negative or partisan discourse makes us shy away from disagreement about important ideas and democratic ideals? Could it be that we have unwittingly come to think that all forms of politically incorrect speech should be outlawed? Or, could it be that we have not taught our children -- or perhaps ourselves -- what the law, as dictated by the Constitution and the courts' interpretation of it, really is?

Each generation helps to defend and define what freedom means in our society. As Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor noted just last month at a forum in Washington sponsored by the National Constitution Center, "You don't inherit knowledge of the Constitution through the gene pool. It has to be taught."

Without the knowledge of how to be a responsible citizen, future generations may fail to become the proud ancestors, defenders and protectors of our democracy.

For too long, our children have benefited solely from the three R's -- reading, writing and arithmetic. We must rethink and redefine those basics to include five Rs -- reading, writing, arithmetic, AND civic rights and responsibilities. The preoccupation with raising academic performance cannot overshadow the importance of educating children to become engaged and informed American citizens. Our educational paths must be on a parallel course, one that guides all students in both academic proficiency and civic learning.

The need we face today to educate our youth is not just important; it is urgent. It is up to us to inspire an informed intellectual and emotional connection that teaches our children about their historical past so that they can use it wisely to fashion their future. Our democratic process will remain strengthened only by devoting our energies to fostering an early interest and maintaining continued understanding for the future citizens of our great democracy.

The only way to hold on to our freedom is to give it away -- and liberally -- to those who come after us. In your own sphere of influence, in your own way, I invite you to join with me and give back meaning to the word "citizen."

Marjorie O. Rendell, Pennsylvania's 43rd first lady, is a federal judge on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia.

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TEACHING CIVICS AT ALL GRADE LEVELS

While at the dinner table, driving in the car, or simply as an alternative to watching TV, engage children in a conversation that will stimulate their minds and enrich their lives. Try these topics:

Fourth of July: Explain to your children why the Fourth of July is celebrated and what Independence Day really means. Ask them what they know about freedom and their rights as United States citizens.

First Amendment: Discuss with your children the five rights that are protected under the First Amendment: the freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly and petition. Have them tell you why each of these freedoms is important and why they should be protected.

Naturalization: Talk to your kids about the process of becoming a U.S. citizen. Ask them why they think so many people want to live in our country and what would make them want to leave a country where they already live. Have them take the online U.S. Citizenship test to see how many questions they can answer correctly.

Learning to Serve: How can your children be involved in their community? Talk to them about giving back to their neighborhood, their county, their state and their nation. Give them examples of how you may have volunteered or given your time for a project or cause. Help them find a way to get involved over the summer.

Voting: When the polls open on Election Day, every citizen over the age of 18 will be able to cast a vote. It is a right we take for granted, one that defines our nation as a democracy. Talk to you kids about our right to vote, how two hundred years ago you had to be white, male and wealthy to cast your ballot, why every vote counts and how this right is a privilege that should not be ignored.

Jury Duty: Explain to your kids that jury duty is important because The United States Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by jury in both criminal and civil cases. Participation as a juror helps make that possible.

The Flag: Tell your children the story of the American flag: when it was created, what the stars and stripes stand for and why we say the Pledge of Allegiance. Visit USFlag.org to learn more about our flag.

The Star Spangled Banner: Share with your children the rich history of our national anthem. Explain to them the War of 1812, how Francis Scott Key saw the flag through his telescope, and how the poem that he then wrote describes the events that he had witnessed that day.

IDEAS FOR INTRODUCING CIVICS TO YOUR CHILDREN

The National Standards for Civics and

Government recommendations come from the Center for Civic Education.

Grades 1-4

What is government? What is government and what should it do?

Values and principles of democracy: What are the basic values and principles of American democracy?

Principles of democracy: How does the government established by the Constitution embody the purposes, values, and principles of American democracy?

Other nations and world affairs: What is the relationship of the United States to other nations and to world affairs?

Roles of the citizen: What are the roles of the citizen in American democracy?

Grades 5-12

Civic life, politics and government: What are civic life, politics, and government?

Foundations of the political system: What are the foundations of the American political system?

Principles of democracy: How does the government established by the Constitution embody the purposes, values, and principles of American democracy?

Other nations and world affairs: What is the relationship of the United States to other nations and to world affairs?