Creating effective citizenship education programs

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Abstract

Citizenship education is an important component of service-learning. The position statement presented by the Task Force on Revitalizing Citizenship Education offers a relevant message for educators and others who may be able to help shape programs. The Task Force is part of the National Council on Social Studies (NCSS), and the position statement was approved by the NCSS Board of Directors in May 2001. This effective practice is excerpted from the document, Creating Effective Citizens, and identifies ten characteristics of an effective citizenship program.

Issue

Creating education programs that promote effective citizenship among students.

Action

National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) believes that preparation for democratic citizenship should be part of the education of every student at every level.

According to NCSS, an effective citizenship education program ensures that:

Civic knowledge, skills, and values are taught explicitly and systematically at every grade level.
School and classroom management and culture exemplify and demonstrate core democratic values.
Citizenship education is integrated throughout and across the curriculum.
Students have meaningful opportunities to participate in class and school governance.
All students at every grade level are provided with opportunities to participate in the civic life of their school and community.
Learning activities extend beyond the school and invite parents and the community to participate and work with students.
Students are provided with opportunities to participate in simulations, service-learning projects, conflict resolution programs, and other activities that encourage the application of civic knowledge, skills, and values.
All students are provided with instruction on our nation's founding documents, civic institutions, and political processes.
All students are provided with instruction on the people, history, and traditions that have shaped our local communities, our nation, and the world.
Preparing students to be effective citizens is explicitly recognized as an important part of the school mission.

Context

National Council for the Social Studies is an association of over 25,000 educators who have come together to strengthen the social studies profession and social studies programs in the schools. National Council for the Social Studies is affiliated with and supports state, local, and regional social studies councils and organizations across the United States. Membership is open to anyone with interest in the social studies.

Outcome

If the classroom functions as a place where civic virtue is cultivated and inspired, strong citizens and therefore a stronger democracy will be created.