What We’re Reading: New Civics Education Report from ECS

The Civics Education Initiative 2015-2016 In 2015, the Joe Foss Institute launched the Civics Education Initiative to promote civic education for students across the United States. Since its introduction, 12 states have passed the Initiative, with Arizona being the first to enact the legislation that requires high school students to pass the United States Citizenship Civics Test to graduate. In addition to the Civics Education Initiative, states have developed different methods to promote civic learning and to test the civic knowledge of their student populations. A new Education Trends report from Education Commission of the States, The Civics Education Initiative 2015-2016, explores the Civics Education Initiative and provides an update on 2015-2016 legislation. “Civic knowledge and skills can provide students with the tools they need to not only engage in civic issues, but to also connect and apply democratic principles to personal experiences,” said Paul Baumann, the director of the National Center for Learning and Civic Engagement at Education Commission of the States. “This report looks at the impacts of civic education and how states across the country engage students in civic learning.” Some key takeaways from this report: An increasing number of states are demonstrating legislative interest in enforcing a civic knowledge high school graduation requirement. Research shows that a lack of civic knowledge contributes to increases in social polarization, ideological sorting and distrust or hostility toward opposing views. Not all states use the Civics Education Initiative model. States use a variety of assessments to measure students’ civic learning. For questions, contact Education Commission of the States Communications Director Amy Skinner at askinner@ecs.org or (303) 299.3609.

Additional ECS Resources: State Civic Education Policy Framework This Framework outlines state policies that establish preparation for citizenship as a core purpose of schools and support students’ effective civic learning and engagement. State Civic Education Policy Gap Analysis Tool This Gap Analysis Tool is a companion to the State Civic Education Policy Framework, guiding education leaders and policymakers in comparing their current policies and practices to evidence-based best practices. Six Proven Practices for Effective Civic Learning This report reviews the “Six Proven Practices for Effective Civic Learning” and serves as a resource for education leaders who want to put the practices in place.