The 4 "Buckets" of Promising Practices of Civics Education
The UCLC has organized the 11+ "promising practices" into 4 buckets and added a few that fit well with Utah's democratic and civic virtues, as defined in Utah Statute.
Constitutional Literacy
Classrooms--not just social studies but all subjects-- are the best place to learn about the foundations of our Republic. For ideas and lessons, see UEN's E-Media Constitution Hub
Media Literacy & Digital Citizenship
Students, and really all of us, need help distinguishing between real and "fake" news. Students can "do good" online, but we also need to teach digital wellness.
Character, Civic Virtues, Civil Dialogue, Student Voice
To succeed in life (not just civic life) young people must set and achieve goals, develop empathy, and learn to listen. Utah's Portrait of a Graduate maps out these and other competencies really well. As students' first taste of civic life, schools need to help all students have a voice.
Academic Service Learning, Skill Building, Simulations
Like most humans, kids learn BY DOING. The UCLC is partnering with Youthlinc on a platform, serve2learn.org, for teachers to access informed approaches to community-engaged learning. This year we partnered with the Bill of Rights Institute, UVU, and YouthLinc on a 1st Annual MytImpact Challenge contest contest for students.
How does Utah Statute define Civic and Character Education?
Utah Code 53G-10-204. Civic and character education
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"Character education" means reaffirming values and qualities of character which promote an upright and desirable citizenry.
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"Civic education" means the cultivation of informed, responsible participation in political life by competent citizens committed to the fundamental values and principles of representative democracy in Utah and the United States.
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"Values" means time-established principles or standards of worth.
