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Mandatory Civics Education Research

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Mandatory Civics Education

The original intent of free public education was to prepare citizens to participate in American democracy, yet only eight states even require a course in citizenship (Campaign For The Civic Mission of School). Since, the beginning of education, pioneers to John Dewey in the 20th century theorized the purpose of education was to prepare of citizens to properly participate in American democracy. (Lan15). Now more than ever the active role of citizenship is needed and many believe it is lacking more.
Background Information According to Arne Duncan, the U.S. Secretary of Education, “two-thirds of Americans cannot name all three branches of government, but three in four people can name all of the Three Stooges; less …show more content…
While denying the education momentum is on testing, testing is an option that could reverse the current trend. Arizona State has led the trend to require Civic testing in their schools statewide. School district throughout Arizona now requires a citizenship test (National Assessment Governing Board, 2014). The schools throughout the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, and Utah followed and Dozens of other states are considering similar laws the welcomed momentum is growing (National Assessment Governing Board, 2014). Civics testing equalizes the importance of teaching Civics in schools but is not the answer to successfully meet the goal of creating informed civic-minded citizens throughout the United States. Instructional time and teaching methods would be more beneficial with a redirection back to Civics in …show more content…
Analyzing news is a crucial skill for all citizens and aligned to Core Curriculum Standards. Survey results were that fewer than half devoted at least one unit to teaching students to critically analyze news (Heitin, 2014, p. 5). Clearly, quality of civics education and quantity in time needs to improve and future state and federal programs need to realize the feasibility of mandates in a limited time and resourced environment. The shortsightedness of just mandating policies without studying their impact must end. Teachers and Administrator need to gain a high degree of participation in all education discussion moving

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