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To keep our democracy strong, we must reverse the decline in civic
participation and engage the next generation of citizens. The most
effective way to nurture citizenship is to make civic learning an
essential part of our nation’s schools.
Civic learning teaches the fundamental ideas of American democracy and
prepares young people to take on the rights and responsibilities of
self-government. Yes, it instructs students in the facts,
perspectives, and procedures of government, history, and law, but civic
learning extends far beyond “how a bill becomes a law.” Civic learning
encourages students to practice democratic processes; it invites
critical thinking and discussion of complex issues; it offers
opportunities for students to get involved in the life of their
communities.
By educating students for
democracy, we sharpen the civic knowledge, skills, and values that keep
our country vital. If our schools are the heart of our democracy, then
civic learning must be the heart of our schools.
Every
student in the country, from kindergarten to high school should learn
and experience what it means to live in and contribute to our
representative democracy. This means:
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Every student has a high-quality, engaging, and rigorous civic learning experience.
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High school graduates understand the fundamental ideas, principles, and
values of American democracy. They are prepared for the
responsibilities of self-government and committed to fulfill them.
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Public schools and teachers have the resources they need to provide the best civic learning experience for all students.
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Local, district, and federal standards ensure schools’ civic health and students’ civic learning.
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Civic learning in schools is the most effective way to prepare
America's young people for informed and active participation in a
healthy representative democracy.
