Educating for Democracy: A Preliminary Exploration of Civic Education and Funding

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Wednesday 9:45am
  In Poster Session: Educating for Democracy: A Preliminary Exploration of Civic Education and Funding

Abstract

Although civic education is a central purpose of public education in the United States, opportunities and funding for civic education vary greatly between and across states. This pilot study focuses on a representative sample of ten states to better understand the relationship between the states’ requirements for civic education and the funding given by the states to fulfill their commitment to prepare children for civic life. Preliminary findings show that states have striking differences in civic education standards, requirements, and funding availability, leading to an imbalance of civic power. Examining state level policy is critical in this moment, as the politicization of civics has led to the limitation of evidence-based practices, further exacerbating inequities in access to civic education.

Authors

• Mallory Lineberger, University of Texas at Austin

• Elizabeth Aritonang, UT Austin