Guarding our Constitutional Democracy: ADE to recognize and support Civic Literacy
The Arizona Department of Education is launching he Excellence in Civic Engagement Program. Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal said the program is designed to ensure students have a fundamental knowledge of the general framework of their government, and that they acquire and demonstrate the skills and traits necessary to participate as active and responsible citizens.
Whether students choose and prepare for entry into the workforce, military or college, all students must not only be college and career ready, but also must be prepared to assume the roles of productive and responsible citizens.
”If we are to preserve our constitutional democracy, it is critical that we help our children learn about their rights, roles and responsibilities as American citizens,” stated Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal. “The Excellence in Civic Engagement Program is designed to support the efforts of our schools in promoting civic learning, and to ensure that each generation sustain and strengthen the values that define the United States of America.”
In 2009 Sandra Day O’Connor introduced one of the first initiatives to raise awareness of Americans’ declining civic engagement. Her innovative ICivics web-based program is nationally recognized as a model that teaches our next generation to understand and respect our system of governance.
In 2011, the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools released its report Guardian of Democracy: The Civic Mission of Schools. This report provides research-based evidence of the decline in civic learning in American schools and presents six proven practices that should be at the center of every school’s approach to civic learning. The Arizona Department of Education’s Excellence in Civic Engagement Program is an effort to help schools prepare students for college, career and civic life by applying the goals and recommendations outlined in the report.
“One of my favorite lessons was learned while providing service to a family in need. I learned how to sand and paint a house while sharing in a family’s excitement over a gift. They were so grateful for our service and that felt nice,” said student Brooke McAdams who is a junior at Greenway High School.
In addition to the launch of the Excellence in Civic Engagement Program, on September 13 the Superintendent participated in a special forum on civic engagement hosted by Phoenix Union High School District, the Arizona Town Hall and the Arizona Department of Education.
“Public schools are the one institution in our society where young people of all races, economic levels and ethnic groups have the opportunity to come together and learn the habits of involved citizens,” said Rich kronberg, long time educator and co-founder of TU4SD. “We should applaud the effort of the Arizona Department of Edcuation to build on the work of Justice O’Connor in teaching students not only to be productive members of society but to be engaged and active members of our democratic republic. It is only through understanding and exercising our constitutional rights as citizens that we will get to keep them!”