Empowering Civic Learning: A University/School Partnership Model for Engaging Underserved Students in Our Democracy

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 8:00 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: School-University Partnership Research Roundtable: Equity in Practice (Table 8)

Abstract

This study examines a collaborative project between a university and a high-need school district to enhance civics education, focusing on engaging economically disadvantaged and minority students. The project addresses the lack of guidance in a new state law requiring civics education for middle school students and aims to close the civic knowledge gap identified by the 2022 NAEP scores. Through partnerships with K-12 educators, administrators, and community stakeholders, the initiative impacts over 5,215 students in a district with a 70% economically disadvantaged population and 40% minority enrollment. By fostering a practical democratic education, the project equips students with civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for active participation in democracy, addressing both academic and civic engagement challenges.

Author

• David J. Roof, Ball State University