Civic Education in Schools and Libraries

CIRCLE (The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Engagement).  (9/14/2011)

One of the contributing authors notes:   I argue that we already require civic education–with a strong focus on concrete facts about the American political system. As a result, students don’t perform badly on tests of that material.

I would modify his remarks with a phrase:  ...the American political system at the federal level.

I base my observation, perhaps rashly and unfairly, on my experience in the Warren (PA) School District in the late 1950s and 1960s and my sons' experiences in the Middleton-Cross Plains School District in the 1990s and 2000s.  In both cases, coverage of state, county, and local government was essentially nonexistent.

What was your experience?

As for the general public.....

Pew Research Center for the People & the Press.
Political Knowledge Update  [Highlights added]
Well-Known: Clinton and Gadhafi; Little Known: Who Controls Congress

March 31, 2011

I didn't realize this, but September is not only Library Card Sign-Up Month, it's also Civic Engagement Month, sponsored by the International City/County Management Association.

And in the latter case, the Programming Librarian offers examples of how public libraries promote civic engagement in their communities.