NCoC: Civic Learning Policy Recommendations: Recommendations for State Policymakers

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Civic Learning Policy Recommendations: Recommendations for State Policymakers

September 14, 2011

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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STATE POLICYMAKERS

!Send a strong message that preparation for active, informed citizenship is the co-equal purpose of education along with preparation for higher education and career (as is stated in most states’ constitutions or education establishment codes).
State policies should be aligned accordingly.

!States should work together to develop common state standards and assessments in the social studies through a state-led effort.

!Hold schools and districts accountable for student civic learning achievement by including civic learning in state assessments and accountability measures.

!Combat the narrowing of the curriculum that reduces civic learning, especially in low-performing schools.

!Include civic learning in broader education reform efforts.

!Review existing standards in the social studies to ensure they are meaningful, focused, realistic, and reflect thoughtful priorities for civic learning.

!Ensure the inclusion of the proven practices in this report in all schools in the state.

!Identify and include indicators/metrics for state longitudinal data systems specific to civic learning.

!Include social studies/civic learning in district and school “report cards” and other public reports of school achievement.

!Utilize alternative forms of assessment, such as group projects or portfolio assessments, that are better suited to demonstrate student achievement in civic learning than more traditional tests.

!Strengthen pre-service and licensure/accreditation requirements for social studies/civic learning teachers to ensure mastery of subject matter and confidence in use of the proven practices in this report.

!Require and support high-quality ongoing professional development for all social studies/ civic learning teachers.

!Ensure that civic learning is taught at each grade level, utilizing an interdisciplinary approach.

!Fully fund civic learning, even if that means reallocating other resources if necessary to meet the essential civic mission of schools.

Civic Learning Recommendations: Recommendations for Schools and Administrators at the Local Level • Civic Learning Policy Recommendations: Recommendations for Federal Policymakers

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