The Renaissance of Civic Education

By Michael Poliakoff, Jack Miller

Real Clear Education

November 04, 2024

Over the past six decades, civic education and American history have been notably neglected at both K-12 and university levels in the United States. Surveys by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) reveal that fewer than 20% of colleges require an American history or government course for graduation. This neglect has affected the preparation of K-12 teachers, resulting in many educators lacking essential knowledge about foundational American principles and history.

However, a promising trend toward revitalizing civic education has emerged through initiatives by public universities. A significant example is Arizona State University’s School for Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, founded in 2016. This institution provides ASU students with comprehensive training in the nation’s governing structures and citizenship duties while embracing diverse perspectives. The ASU model has inspired similar programs at 13 universities nationwide.

The University of North Carolina (UNC)-Chapel Hill’s School of Civic Life and Leadership (SCiLL), launched with ACTA’s support, exemplifies this renaissance. Established in 2023, SCiLL offers a civic life and leadership minor that blends philosophy, history, political science, and economics, preparing students for policy discussions. The program emphasizes civil discourse and free speech and extends its impact beyond enrolled students through public speaker events and the Program for Public Discourse.

These civic programs often function as independent academic units supported by state funds and private donations, with leaders reporting directly to university provosts or presidents. They not only educate undergraduates but also provide M.A. and Ph.D. programs and professional development for K-12 social studies teachers. This ensures that educators can effectively teach civics, enhancing their impact on students in their classrooms.

States have demonstrated a growing commitment to such programs. For example, Tennessee’s legislature allocated $6 million to establish the Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. This institute offers courses, certificate programs, and professional development opportunities that draw engaged students, particularly those seeking nonpartisan pathways to influence society positively.

Ohio has taken the most substantial financial step, investing $24 million in creating civic education centers at five public universities. Ohio State University now hosts the Salmon P. Chase Center for Civics, Culture, and Society, with similar programs at other state institutions. At the University of Florida, the Hamilton Center plans to hire 50 professors, including distinguished faculty members interested in open academic discourse.

These initiatives are providing career opportunities for scholars passionate about American constitutional, political, and diplomatic history. The Jack Miller Center’s extensive academic network of over 1,200 professors across 300 campuses has supported the growth of these civic centers by investing in faculty training and fellowships.

These new institutes are dedicated to teaching a balanced narrative of American history that acknowledges both its successes and flaws. The late Bruce Cole, former chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, emphasized that this education tells “a story of the center and the margins, the peaks and the valleys,” fostering a comprehensive understanding of America’s development.

By investing in these programs, states, universities, and nonprofit organizations aim to nurture informed, engaged citizens ready to contribute thoughtfully to society. This growing movement has the potential to strengthen civic knowledge and participation nationwide.

Original Article

------------------------------

Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com