The past 15 years have seen a wealth of civic education initiatives. States have passed supportive laws, a blue-ribbon commission has identified best practices, and new programs are blossoming. Some emphasize knowing, and others emphasize doing; some are geared to academic learning about government and politics, while others emphasize…

Comments that the National Commission on the Social Studies report, "Charting a Course: Social Studies for the 21st Century," (1989) failed to fully explore citizenship requirements of democracy. Argues that social studies at all levels should promote student analysis of controversial public issues and develop students' understanding of…

States that while school's purpose is to educate citizens for a democratic community, they have yet to implement a K-12 curriculum for civic participation. Contends that schools can promote citizen participation by (1) helping students acquire knowledge of history and politics, (2) conducting schools as communities, and (3) providing opportunities…