Previous scholarship has outlined possible models of civics education but have neglected to provide frameworks for evaluation of the way such educative programs contribute to ongoing active citizenship amongst the participants. This paper explicates a framework that can be used to analyse how effectively programs are developing active citizenship…

This book explores four interrelated themes: rethinking civic education in light of the diversity of U.S. society; re-examining these notions in an increasingly interconnected global context; re-considering the ways that civic education is researched and practiced; and taking stock of where we are currently through use of an historical…

CIRCLE Working Paper #72 addresses whether efforts to systematically incorporate media into school curricula increases several elements of civic engagement, including students' media use, political knowledge or their sense of being able to understand and influence politics (internal political efficacy). In "The Classroom-Kitchen Table…

This guide is designed to assist teachers and youth leaders in helping youth develop civic action skills. Section 1 offers a planning guide for action projects and focuses on how to develop such a project. Section 2 provides samples of eight community action projects with their descriptions, goals, resources needed, relevant facts and figures, a…

The purpose of this essay is to show a way that college students can be brought to understand that it is in their interest to be good citizens of a good regime. Aristotle's formulations of distributive justice as they appear in his "Nicomachean Ethics" and "Politics" are used in the discussion. (RM)

This user guide covers "Rights and Responsibilities," and offers suggestions for preparatory activities, lessons, and follow-up activities for primary, intermediate, and upper grade students. Goals for the series are to help children: (1) become familiar with the democratic process and active citizenship; (2) recognize what it means to be a…

This book grew from a working conference on "Citizenship for the 21st Century." The purpose of the conference was to develop specific recommendations to guide the Foundation for Teaching Economics (FTE) and the Constitutional Rights Foundation (CRF) in their efforts to improve civic education for young adolescents. The conferees reached consensus…

This guide provides a practical tool for organizing locally-based citizen education programs with information on obtaining helpful resources and tips on making national security issues relevant to the public. The purpose is the make the global have more local application and encourage public discourse on global issues. The volume contains seven…

This booklet provides interactive mini-lessons on citizenship to be used by teachers or youth leaders to help young people develop a deeper understanding of citizenship and civic action. The 14 mini-lessons are arranged under 4 categories that describe the elements of active citizenship: knowledge, attitudes, skills, and behaviors. The instructor…

Discusses the grounds for political obligation, adapting John Searle's argument about 'promising' to the case of voting. Presents a method for citizenship education which specifies a path to political obligation based upon participation. Concludes that participation, specifically voting, leads to political obligation. (GEA)

We propose civic youth work as a new craft orientation in the family of child and youth care, education, social work, recreation and other relevant semi-to-full professions. We envision this practice as based in the philosophies and practical sciences of pedagogy, politics, and human development. The ideal-type civic youth worker will have a…

Describes a Student Advisory Council which was established to address the problems of the Cottage Lane Elementary School (Blauvelt, New York) and its students. Contends that through this participatory activity, students are learning how to solve public problems. (SLM)

Reports results of a 1991 survey of high school students to determine whether student opinions about good citizenship had changed since a 1987 study. Reports that students perceived good citizenship as the ability to make wise decisions and be concerned for others. Concludes that students consider responsibility, ability to question, and moral…

These activities are intended to acquaint elementary students with the voting process. Students in grades K-4 are introduced to vocabulary concerning voting through games and classroom discussions. A voting area is simulated in the classroom. Students are given the opportunity to vote for their favorite dog, bird, and wild animal. So that they can…

Our first public policy goal is to ensure our survival as a free nation through the development of enlightened citizens. If social studies teachers are to develop the goals of citizenship education, an articulated K-12 social studies program is necessary. The objectives and themes of such a program are discussed. (RM)