Overview

Purpose: One of the major goals of our state campaign is to create interest and support for the civic mission of schools at the district and school site levels. Our state legislature and governor are urging action through ACR#30 which calls for school board members, administrators and teachers to regularly examine and strengthen the six research based promising approaches that prepare young people to become engaged citizens. These recommendations are found in The Civic Mission of Schools, published by the Carnegie Corporation of New York and CIRCLE.

To promote this goal, the Campaign has created an awards and recognition program. Schools that elect to systematically review and improve their current efforts to develop engaged citizens will be recognized by the Campaign with one of two designations of excellence. Those carrying out a school-wide assessment and planning process to identify strengths and weaknesses of present practice will be designated Schools of Merit. Schools that implement a plan to strengthen current practice and/or that already have programs that operate at a high level of excellence will be designated Schools of Distinction. These activities must be based on the six promising approaches to civic education made by the Civic Mission of Schools report. A number of special awards will also be given for excellence in individual program areas.

Ten school districts in California have been participating in the California Campaign as CMS Demonstration Sites. Schools in these districts are exploring how civic education can be enhanced both in and out of the classroom. Many of the schools are currently implementing innovative ideas that support the CMS six promising approaches. With the help of these demonstration sites, the Campaign is providing suggested steps and resources to assist schools applying for Schools of Merit or Schools of Distinction awards.

Step One: Organize a CMS Leadership Team

Create a team that will take leadership in raising awareness about the CMS Report and its recommendations. Generate enthusiasm to participate in the process of enhancing civic education school-wide. Let the Campaign know you are involved.

Step Two: Hold Discussions with Key Groups

Generate school-wide support and enthusiasm and begin more in-depth discussions about the six promising approaches. Explore how the approaches could be enhanced in different settings (classroom, co-curricular, etc.) Collect ideas from key groups about ways to increase/refine civic education opportunities for students.

Step Three: Bring the Ideas Back to the Table

The CMS Leadership Team reconvenes. Use the suggestions and input from the discussions with key groups to create a short-term plan for enhancing civic education. Develop long-term goals for next steps. Create an implementation strategy.

Step Four: Implement!

Try out an idea that supports at least one of the six promising approaches.

Step Five: Share Your Work with the Campaign and Other Schools

Share resources with other schools and districts.

Step Six: Apply for the School of Merit or School of Distinction Award

Be recognized statewide for your work. Apply for one of the awards.