Supporting the California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools

LOCAL LEVEL (Region 6)
Civic Mission of Education Effort 2007-08
 
The Region 6 Civic Education Collaborative is committed to providing opportunities for both youth and adults that focus on civic engagement.  It is our belief the more opportunities we provide the better chance we have at building on the knowledge, skills and dispositions of our community at large.

This year we are excited to bring back the Center for Civic Education Project Citizen Curriculum and the 4th Annual Civic Mission of Education Youth Summit, "No Vote...No Voice," on Friday February 29, 2008.  For more information click on the Events button on the left.
 
STATE LEVEL - The California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools:
For over 200 years, American democracy has given our nation unprecedented freedom, served as a model for the world, and survived wars and economic crises. Today it is threatened.

Many eligible voters do not vote. Increasing numbers of Americans avoid political participation in the institutions of government. Fewer and fewer stay informed about critical issues facing their communities and the nation.

Young people reflect these trends. Young people between 18 and 25 vote at lower rates than any other age group. They often distrust political institutions and processes. Most students lack a proficient understanding of civics, U.S. history, or our constitutional heritage. Without an involved and educated citizenry, our democracy is in danger.

Throughout or history as a nation, civic education has been a primary mission of American education, the best method for preparing informed, committed, and participatory citizens. Today, however, civic education is no longer a priority in our overburdened public schools. Government courses rank lowest in student interest. Studies show that students are often less willing to participate in political life after taking a government course than before.

In 2001, the Carnegie Foundation of New York and the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) convened a distinguished group of educators, researchers, and scholars to study the problem of civic education in America and make recommendations for its improvement. In their report, The Civic Mission of Schools, the panel identified four goals of civic education and recommended six promising approaches to improve it.

The Campaign is an effort to apply the goals and recommendations outlined in The Civic Mission of Schools to strengthen civic education in California's public schools. The Center for Civic Education joins Constitutional Rights Foundation in this effort.


A national movement called the Civic Mission of Schools, promotes civic responsibility in our youth and calls for the renewed commitment of public schools to this effort.  This focus includes not only teaching students about history, civics, and public/community service but also:

    Helping students understand the rights and responsibilities of our
       democratic society

     Providing students with substantial opportunities to practice democracy

This mission has been embraced and promoted statewide by former State Superintendent of Schools Delaine Eastin, and has caught the attention of local community leaders and educators as well.

CME Fact Sheet

"By teaching young people the joys of service to others, we make good citizenship a vital, transforming and continuing aspect of our national character." ~ General Colin Powell