Quality civic education opportunities are vital for all students and
should be included in every student’s school experience. Although public
schools were created in America with the primary purpose of preparing
children to participate constructively as adult citizens in our democracy,
recent school reform efforts have focused primarily on improving
student achievement in reading, math and science. As a result, the
historical function of the American public school—to educate students
for democratic participation and citizenship—has been pushed aside.
Like millions of their peers across the country, many Illinois high
school students lack sufficient formal instruction and opportunities
for the development of civic engagement.
The strength of Illinois and our nation depends on civic education
opportunities for today’s youth. The 2008 presidential election
demonstrated record levels of enthusiasm among young people, and this
excitement offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to channel this
interest into a lifetime of civic participation. Civic education in
schools can play a vital role in encouraging today’s youth to become
the active and informed citizens our democracy requires.
Click to view What is Citizenship? >>