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“ Knowledge of our system of governance and our rights and responsibilities as citizens is not passed along through the gene pool. Each generation of Americans must be taught these basics.”
– Justice Sandra Day O’Connor
Restoring the Civic Mission of Schools
The Future of Our Democracy
The civic mission of schools is not a new concept. Our nation’s public schools were founded to develop citizens with knowledge, and the rights and responsibilities of self-government. Yet formal civic education has almost vanished from the curriculum in most schools. We must provide our youngest generation with the understanding of our constitutional system, and an appreciation for the achievements of, and opportunities provided by, self-government. Failure to do so will imperil the future of our democracy.
WHERE DOES ILLINOIS STAND?
47th
48th
45th
Civic Education
Trust Government
Vote in local elections
Work within their communities to solve problems
Speak to or exchange favors with neighbors
based on 50 states and D.C.Illinois Civic Health Index, 2012
Gallup, 2014
Paul Simon Institute, 2014
4 out of 10 high school students graduate without a civics or government course
40 out of 50 states require a standalone civics or government course to graduate Illinois is not one of them
of Illinois residents have little to no trust in state government compared to 40% nationally
89% of Illinoisans feel corruption is at least somewhat common with 53% believing it’s very common
are LESS likely to:
than peers in other states
70%
Illinois Millennials(18-29)
Healy, 2014
CIRCLE, 2012
Top 10 Benefits of Quality Civic Education
• Strengthens the basic understanding of our structures
of government, along with related processes of legislation
and policy making.
• Enhances “21st century competencies” that are valued
by colleges, universities and employers.
• Closes the civic achievement gap across race, ethnicity,
income and parental educational attainment.
• Lowers high school dropout rates.
• Creates a positive school climate that supports students
feeling socially, emotionally and physically safe.
• Builds news literacy skills necessary for gathering
information to make reasoned decisions on critical
issues affecting our country.
• Increases volunteerism and work on community issues.
• Enhances democratic accountability of elected officials.
• Improves government transparency.
• Increases voting and discussions of politics in the home.
How You Can Make A Difference
• Contact your elected officials and urge them to support
civic education in schools.
• Attend local school board meetings and encourage
members to support effective Pre-K-12 civic learning.
• Volunteer time and resources to help schools provide
effective civic learning experiences.
• Discuss current events and political issues with your children.
• Encourage your friends and family to take an interest
and volunteer in their local community.
• Vote in state, local and national elections.
To learn more about restoring the the civic mission of schools in Illinois visit www.McCormickFoundation/Civics.
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