p>I’m still at the Education Commission of
the States in Denver, discussing state standards in civics. One distinguished
colleague argued that no educational reform really succeeds unless a state
has all of the following elements in place: appropriate standards,
tests, courses, textbooks, funding, and professional development opportunities.
(It can also be useful to have appropriate admissions requirements at
the state university.) Unfortunately, all the elements of an effective
civics program are missing in most states today. This is a serious matter,
for young people are being inadequately prepared to participate in politics
in civic life, and consequently many are not involved at all. (We make
this general argument in The
Civic Mission of Schools report.)