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What is Civic Learning?

Civic learning is a concept drawn from the approaches recommended in The Civic Mission of Schools report:

• Instruction in government, history, law, and democracy;
• Class discussion of current local, national and international issues and events;
• Community service learning linked to curriculum and class instruction;
• Co-curricular opportunities to become involved in the school and community;
• Participation in school governance through student government and other opportunities;
• Simulations of political and governmental processes, including mock trial, simulated legislative hearings, public policy-making games, and mock elections.

Civic learning should capture the broad proposition that the civic mission of schools extends past the physical and intellectual boundaries of the school proper and implicates the entire community. It should help young people develop a comprehensive understanding of our nation’s history, as well as the ideas and principles that inform a representative democracy and a good community and so prepare them to be thoughtful and active participants in our society.