ELEMENTS OF SCHOOL-WIDE COMMUNITY-BASED CIVIC EDUCATION1

The National Council for the Social Studies Task Force on the Revitalization of Citizenship Education developed Elements of School-wide Community-based Civic Education, in support of the national campaign to renew the civic mission of our schools. This practical tool can address the challenges of developing a comprehensive civic education program at the school or district level. For more info e-mail:

Leadership and Vision
  • Preparing students to be effective and responsible citizens is explicitly recognized as an important part of the school mission, in addition to academic achievement.
  • A school or district Civic Education Leadership Team, including staff, students, parents and community members, identifies needs and implements action plans.
  • The quality of civic education is continuously monitored and sustained by staff, students, parents and community.
  • The safe school, health, school-to-career, athletic and character education programs are aligned with the civic mission of the school.
Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
  • Civic education is aligned with state and national standards and assessment and is integrated throughout the curriculum.
  • Civic knowledge, skills and virtues are taught explicitly and systematically at every grade level.
  • History/social science classes emphasize the history, geography, cultural understanding, economics, and current issues, which are essential for responsible civic engagement.
  • Active teaching and learning strategies, including service-learning, are provided at all grade levels.
  • School and classroom management and school culture exemplify and demonstrate core democratic virtues and principles.
  • Character education initiatives explicitly support the development of civic "habits of heart and mind" that are essential to responsible civic engagement.
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  • Assessment of student achievement includes students' school and community contributions.
    Administrative Support
  • Policies and expectations promote, support and reward high quality civic education.
  • Policies and their implementation are aligned with civic virtues and principles valued by all personnel and partners.
  • Professional development in high quality civic education is provided for staff.
  • Leadership training is provided for students.
  • Identify and address the institutional or social issues that may be obstacles for student success.
Youth, Parent and Community Involvement
  • Civic engagement and community service by all students are expected and encouraged.
  • Students, parents and community are invited to participate in civic education and service-learning planning and assessment.
  • Schools showcase, recognize, and reward students, teachers and community members for exemplary performance in civic education and community service.
  • Higher education, parent and community partners are invited to participate in education and service activities with students.

More Resources on Civic Education

Active Citizenship Today
This program involves middle and high school students in applying the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to solving problems in their communities.
Constitutional Rights Foundation
601 S. Kingsley Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90005
Phone: 213-487-5590

Close Up Foundation
44 Canal Center Plaza
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 1-800-CLOSEUP

Active Citizenship, Empowering America's Youth
This curriculum, for grades 5-12, integrates American history, civic values, civic participation skills and service-learning.
John Minkler
Center for Multicultural Cooperation
30450 Yosemite Springs Parkway
Coarsegold, CA 93614
Phone: 1-800-432-3618
/ The Civic Mission of Schools
A report from the Carnegie Corporation of New York and CIRCLE: The Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement outlines a comprehensive approach to civic education in the United States.
Carnegie Corporation of New York
437 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-371-3200
Fax: 212-754-4073

CIRCLE
School of Public Affairs
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
Phone: 301-405-2790

Every Student a Citizen: Creating the Democratic Self
This report from the Compact for Learning and Citizenship National Study Group on Citizenship in K-12 Schools summarizes deliberations and recommendations for moving forward in better educating students for citizenship.
Education Commission of the States
707 17th Street, Suite 2700
Denver, CO 80202-3427
Phone: 303-299-3600
Fax: 303-296-8332
E-mail:
/ Citizenship Toolkit by the Corporation for National and Community Service

City Cares: A Resource Guide to Civic Engagement Books, Web Sites, and Quotes

Center for Civic Education

National Center for Learning and Citizenship

First Amendment Schools: Educating for Freedom and Responsibility

University of California Berkeley: Service-Learning and Civic Engagement Research Directory