Why All the Change in Civics Education Policy? An Event History Analysis

• In Event: Poster Session 10
  In Poster Session: Politics and Education Poster Session

Abstract

All states in the nation have a statute or clause in their constitution that acknowledges the civic mission of schools (Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, 2015). Yet, states vary considerably in the strength and type of Civics education policies that govern schools. Using Event History Analysis, we analyze what intra- and inter-state factors are associated with state adoption of Civics education policies, including those relating to coursework, assessments, and accountability. The authors find that state adoption of civics education policies has increased rapidly over the past two decades. We also find evidence that that policy adoption is associated with internal political, economic, and demographic conditions. Implications and calls for further research are discussed.

Authors

• James Sadler, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

• Jerry Jameel Wilson, University of North Carolina

• Noah Cohen-Vogel, Chapel Hill High School

• Connor Willis