Understanding our history and how our government works serves not only as the foundation of informed citizenship but also as the bedrock upon which patriotism and love of America stand. Without a shared grounding in our founding principles, how can Americans appreciate the sacrifices made to create and sustain our nation? How can we debate policies, defend liberties, or hold leaders accountable?
Civic education is essential to preserving our great republic — and it’s time to take action to ensure that every American understands our history, honors our past, and appreciates our freedoms.
Next year, the United States will celebrate its semiquincentennial — or its 250th anniversary. This milestone is the impetus behind projects like America250, a nationwide civics education initiative spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Education and dozens of allied organizations. America250 seeks to inspire Americans to reflect on our shared past, strengthen their love of country, and renew their commitment to democratic ideals.
America250 plans to meet citizens where they are: fairs, campuses, and community events. In fact, the coalition recently held an event in Harrisburg to kick off its “History Rocks!” tour. The organization’s mobile unit and scholarship programs aim to translate our nation’s history more effectively than traditional lectures. With hands-on learning, such moments can transform abstract constitutional principles into tangible lessons for younger generations.
But one exhibit day per year won’t turn the tide. Instead, restoring civic education also demands that we fundamentally rethink how we educate future generations of Americans.
Since 2013, per-student spending on public schools has grown by 56 percent. Despite years of increased funding in public education, nationwide academic underachievement has become the norm. The latest round of the National Assessment of Educational Progress — also known as the Nation’s Report Card—showed sizable dips in math and reading scores.
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