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PEDAGOGY

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For links to integrated K-12 civics lessons in all non-social studies disciplines, see 15. Interdisciplinary Lessons.

“Pedagogical Frameworks” and Philosophical Underpinnings
“Curricular Frameworks“: Common Curricular Frameworks, Structures and Traditions in the K-12 Proposal:
“Civic Literacy“: Research proves that civic literacy is essential to academic achievement
“Pedagogical Advantages“: Classroom Level
“Administrative Advantages“: District Level
“National Standards” National Civics Standards
“Cognitive underpinnings“: Bruner and Erickson, the Minds Behind the Method
“ K-8 Civics“
” High School Civics“
“General Pedagogy” General Social Studies Pedagogy
The “Political Spectrum“: Pedagogy
“Service Learning“
“Instructional Keys” The Keys to Effective Civics Instruction
“Voting” Every student votes! District-Wide All School Voting in Mock Elections
“Interdisciplinary Lessons” Lesson Plans and Websites for Interdisciplinary lessons with Civics

The Civics for All Initiative

Common K-12 Curricular Structures, Frameworks, and Traditions:

Annual Mock Elections each November, K-12
One New K-12 Civics/Elections unit in each year's social studies classes; depending on teacher preference and student interest, units would be 3 - 10 class periods each autumn
Two K-12 Civics Frameworks Banners:
1. Essential Civics for All Questions – posted in every K-12 classroom
2. Political Spectrum – posted in all gr: 6-12 social studies classrooms
K-12 Media Literacy – especially related to electoral politics and current events
Civics Website – updated reg. with shared curriculum, elections lesson plan ideas, current events lessons, links, etc.
Community Engagement:
1. Voter Registration/Participation Drives – K-12 students, classes, and schools can use this registration tally sheet to compete to see who can register the most new voters in their communities and/or get already registered voters (including parents) to actually vote.
2. Parent/Guardian Engagement – students are given homework assignments to discuss the mock elections issues and races with their parents/guardians.
Interdisciplinary Civics (optional) – K-12 teachers in non-social studies disciplines are encouraged to relate their classwork to the mock elections (e.g. math classes could help students understand taxation formulas, science could help students understand environmental initiatives, etc.)
School Culture of Democracy (optional) – principals, teachers, and schools can make the mock election process a celebration of democracy and community engagement to whatever extent desired via ASB involvement, parent and community involvement (election officials), etc.
The Civics for All Initiative Budget:
1. One-time, foundational expenses - $ 280,000
2. Ongoing, annual expenses - $ 56,500