Thursday January 29, 2009
Civics Education
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See also: In order to foster citizenship, love for our country and respect for democracy, we must ensure that our children learn about their democratic heritage, and the paramount importance of preserving a government which places life, liberty and freedom above all else. The freedoms and rights that we enjoy come with a solemn responsibility.
A sense of this responsibility is an outgrowth of knowledge and appreciation of what we have in this country, and at what price our liberty and freedom was purchased for us. Our participatory democracy will only work well when citizens are informed and active in the democratic process.
I have partnered with the Idaho Department of Education several times in recent years to assist educators in grades K-12 in making civics a more active learning experience. In 2004, I co-sponsored an effort called "Civics Satchels." This "satchel" contained hands-on instructional materials for teachers to use in the classroom to help educate students about the 
importance of civics by learning about our history, our government and our democratic process. It is my hope that the materials will be of continued assistance to students and teachers to gain both knowledge and appreciation of civics. In 2006, I provided “Civics Packets” to all of the government classes in Idaho. The packet contained pocket-sized Constitutions for the classroom, a statement commemorating Constitution Day, and a DVD about the Constitution. I hope to continue these efforts in the future.
Useful Links:
We The People, a National Endowment for the Humanities program designed to strengthen the teaching, study and understanding of American history and culture. In 2006 and 2007, Orofino High School students represented Idaho at the national competition. Click here to read my Congressional Record Statement honoring their efforts.
The Center for Civic Education sponsors the annual We The People contest for high school students. The program promotes civic competence and responsibility among the nation's elementary and secondary students.
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