Civic Learning and Engagement in Democracy

As part of President Obama's education agenda, the Department of Education (ED) envisions a nationwide commitment to preparing all students for citizenship as informed, engaged and responsible members of our society.

At a White House event this past January, the Obama Administration released its Road Map for civic learning, "Advancing Civic Learning and Engagement in Democracy." This document serves as a call to action to reinvigorate civic learning and engagement for students, families, communities and leaders in education, business, labor, philanthropy and government. The Road Map outlines nine steps ED is undertaking to increase civic learning and engagement across our country.

You are invited to watch the release event and read ED's Road Map to learn more:
Civic Learning and Engagement in Democracy: A Road Map and Call to Action [PDF, 1.1M]
An accessible version of this document [PDF, 548K]

You are also invited to provide feedback on these ongoing efforts through the ED Blog.

Other Resources

In addition to the Road Map, in 2011 the Department commissioned a report on civic learning and democratic engagement in higher education:
A Crucible Moment: College Learning and Democracy's Future.

In October, 2011, the Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools released a new report, Guardian of Democracy: The Civic Mission of Schools.

The new American Commonwealth Partnership aims to bring together thousands of universities, colleges, community colleges, schools and other civic partners to promote civic education, civic mission and civic identity throughout all of education in the United States.

The American Commonwealth Partnership and the Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Network have compiled a list of commitments for making education for citizenship a cornerstone for all students.

Email CivicLearning@ed.gov to learn more about the U.S. Department of Education's efforts to advance education for citizenship and democracy or to share your own ideas about this important topic.