Understanding Barriers to Civic Education in U.S. Schools

• In Event: Research in Progress Roundtable Session 3
  In Invited Roundtable: Social Justice Perspectives on Civic Education, School Disciplinary Experiences, and Relational Learning (Table 1)

Abstract

This review examines the landscape of civic education literature to understand how scholars define civic education, what barriers to civic education exist, and how barriers to civic education can be reduced. Findings show that barriers to civic education based on race and income exist in the United States and that civic education itself can be used as an instrument to reduce barriers. Additionally, gaps in the literature are explored including: (a) understanding barriers to the implementation of civic education; (b) assessment of civic learning; and (c) the effects of censorship legislation on civic education. Finally, implications for policy are considered in the areas of civics teacher education and critical civic education policy standards.

Author

• Mallory Lineberger, University of Texas at Austin