Civic education is the cornerstone of a functioning democracy, yet recent evaluations reveal significant gaps in how it is taught across the nation. High-quality civics and U.S. history instruction is essential for developing informed, engaged citizens who can navigate the complexities of modern society. However, recent studies indicate that many states are falling short of providing students with the educational foundation needed for active civic participation. To help bridge this gap, it’s essential to provide educators with high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) and strategies for fostering classrooms that encourage active civic learning.
Addressing gaps in civics education is crucial for developing engaged citizens. This blog post examines recent evaluations highlighting gaps in civics education and explores how HQIM can address these challenges. We’ll discuss the findings from state evaluations, the importance of high-quality instructional materials, what defines HQIM in social studies, and how they can transform classrooms into environments that inspire active citizenship. Download our free eBook, which offers a comprehensive guide on selecting and implementing high-quality instructional materials and includes practical tips, checklists, and case studies to help you get started.
State Evaluations Reveal Gaps in Civics Education
In 2021, The Thomas B. Fordham Institute evaluated the state-of-state standards for civics and history across all fifty states. Reviews were conducted by a bipartisan team of experienced educators with deep knowledge of the content. The findings were sobering: only four states and the District of Columbia were rated “exemplary,” ten states were rated “good,” fifteen states were rated “mediocre” in at least one subject, and twenty states were rated “inadequate” in both subjects.
The purpose of civics and U.S. history instruction is to provide all citizens with a common framework to peacefully and constructively manage the challenges of daily life and our social interactions as a society. There has been a resurgent focus on the importance of engaging students in deepening their interactions with civic life.
As a result of the study, states were encouraged to:
- Increase attention to civics and U.S. History in elementary and middle school; also require at least one year of U.S. History and one semester of civics in high school.
- Provide detailed guidance in both subject areas.
- Create user-friendly organization and presentation of learning standards.
- Put more emphasis on writing, argumentation, problem analysis, and making connections between core content and current events.
Responding to these concerns, the federal government increased funding for K-12 civics and history education funding from $7.75 million to $23 million as grants available to states. This investment represented a tripling of funds dedicated to these subjects in 2023, with continued allocation in the 2024 federal budget.
This infusion of resources is a game-changer for educators and students alike. It has enabled states to expand access to culturally relevant content, address equity concerns, and enhance students’ digital skills and civic readiness. These resources must also be used to expand access to high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) as well.
The Importance of High-Quality Instructional Materials
High-quality instructional materials (HQIM) undergo rigorous evaluation to ensure alignment with state learning standards. These materials incorporate evidence-based strategies, inclusive practices, and embedded teacher supports. They are designed to meet the needs of diverse learners, fostering students who are ‘actively literate, critical thinkers, and engaged in their communities.
In Arkansas, 82% of elementary teachers and 91% of secondary teachers reported developing their own curriculum materials from scratch—a trend reflected across the nation. Instead of spending seven to twelve hours per week creating instructional content, access to high-quality instructional materials (HQIM) allows teachers to focus on what truly matters: teaching and engaging students in meaningful, impactful lessons.
Defining High-Quality Instructional Materials in Social Studies
When it comes to social studies education, the quality of instructional materials can significantly influence a student’s understanding of complex topics and their overall academic achievement. High-quality instructional materials (HQIM) are designed to meet rigorous standards and provide comprehensive, engaging, and inclusive content. For both core curriculum and supplementary programs, HQIM in social studies share several key characteristics:
- Standards Alignment: HQIM aligns with state and national social studies standards, ensuring comprehensive coverage of essential content and skills. The materials promote rigor and depth of learning.
- Emphasis on Social Studies Practices: Materials emphasize inquiry-based learning, analysis of primary and secondary sources, and the development of critical-thinking skills. They provide opportunities for students to identify and act on problems or issues in their local, national, or international communities. Materials help students engage in learning opportunities like scholars in social studies.
- Diverse Perspectives: HQIM represents diverse perspectives and experiences, providing tools for culturally responsive teaching. Materials help students consider how identity and social position shape people’s perception of events and narratives.
- Usability and Teacher Support: The materials are well-organized, properly paced, and accompanied by robust professional development resources. They allow students to deepen their social studies content knowledge and skills.
- Instructional Supports: HQIM provides a variety of scaffolds and strategies to support diverse learners. There is adequate support and learning extensions for reading, writing, listening, and speaking in social studies.
- Assessment Practices: High-quality materials include a balanced system of formative and summative assessments. Formative assessments are embedded throughout the units to evaluate student progress and drive social studies instruction.
Creating Civic-Minded Classrooms
A comprehensive education in social studies fosters a deep understanding of democracy, rights, and civic responsibilities. Teachers can use powerful teaching strategies to help students acquire the skills needed to actively participate in civic life. For that to happen, they need research-based best practices to effectively build out powerful pillars of learning:
- Pillar #1: Powerful social studies places learners at the center of learning. Student-centered collaboration and interaction with peers develop independence of thought, listening, and speaking skills. For instance, using debate and discussion-based activities can help students critically analyze differing viewpoints.
- Pillar #2: Powerful social studies allow students to see the relevance and applicability of social studies topics to their own lives. Connecting historical events to current issues helps students understand the impact of social studies on their personal experiences.
- Pillar #3: Powerful social studies foster the civic engagement required for a well-functioning democracy and global community. Through community-based projects, students can actively apply their learning to real-world contexts, becoming active participants in their communities.
By using high-quality instructional materials and evidence-based teaching strategies, educators can create meaningful learning experiences that immerse students in the context, understanding, and skills that will help them become active citizens and lifelong learners.
High-quality instructional materials are essential in building effective civics programs that prepare students to navigate and contribute to society. By placing students at the center of learning, emphasizing relevance, and fostering civic engagement, educators can transform their classrooms into environments where students actively engage with the world around them. To learn more about implementing HQIM and improving social studies education, download our comprehensive eBook for actionable insights and strategies.
