Why: Making the Case for Civics and Civics Seals

Guardian of Democracy: The Civic Mission of Schools (2011)
Research-based evidence of the decline in civic learning in American schools. Presents six proven practices that should be at the heart of every school's approach to civic learning. Also provides recommendations for education policymakers to ensure every student acquires the civic skills and knowledge needed for an informed, engaged citizenry. This report builds and expands on the findings of the Civic Mission of Schools report, published in 2003 by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement. 

The Republic is (Still) at Risk—and Civics is Part of the Solution (2017)
Outline of civic challenges and opportunities for young people in the United States, with special attention to gaps and inequities that affect low-income youth and young people of color. Discusses the six proven practices of civic learning, with additional research and discussion on related issues. 

Reclaiming the Democratic Purpose of California’s Public Schools (2020)
Study of civic learning in California school districts that assesses the degree to which districts are focused on and devoting resources to these civic priorities. Based on surveys and interviews with district officials, California Local Control Accountability Plans, and a representative sample of mission statements from district websites. Includes key findings and policy recommendations.

How: Frameworks, Toolkits, and Roadmaps

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework for Social Studies State Standards: Guidance for Enhancing the Rigor of K-12 Civics, Economics, Geography, and History (2013)
“For states to upgrade their state social studies standards and for practitioners—local school districts, schools, teachers and curriculum writers—to strengthen their social studies programs. Its objectives are to: a) enhance the rigor of the social studies disciplines; b) build critical thinking, problem solving, and participatory skills to become engaged citizens; and c) align academic programs to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy in History/Social Studies.”

Six Proven Practices for Effective Civic Learning (2014)
“For teachers, administrators, policymakers, and other education leaders who want to put these practices in place but are not sure how to begin. For those who already are sold on the idea of the six proven practices but need ideas for how to promote and utilize them, this document highlights research that confirms these practices as proven strategies for implementing high-quality civic learning, and provides practical suggestions for how to implement each practice in schools and classrooms and how to model state-level policies that support these practices. This guidebook also outlines various programs that align with each practice.”

State Civic Education Toolkit (2017)
Variety of resources to help states and individuals implement civic learning and engagement programs. Includes a background resource on civics, tips for coalition-building and creating a state strategy, a media kit, considerations for assessments, and more. Resources are identified based on the branch of government on which they focus as well as the key audience.

Educating for American Democracy Roadmap (2021)
Effort of a diverse group of scholars and educators to create a document with guidance and an inquiry framework that links history and civics for twenty-first century students and skills.

Revitalizing K-12 Civic Learning in California: A Blueprint for Action (2014)
California State Seal of Civic Engagement Roadmap (2020)