The Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education

Strengthening Civic Learning

In February 2014, the Board held a special meeting on civic engagement and learning. We were joined by members of the Special Commission on Civic Learning, chaired by Senator Richard Moore, to discuss the status of civic education in the Commonwealth's schools and strategies for improvement. Under former Board Chair Maura Banta, a working group was formed and led by David Roach. Since that time the working group has conducted a wide range of outreach including a public hearing and a statewide survey to investigate the current status of civic learning in schools, identify promising practices, and identify opportunities for elevating civic education and engagement. Attached please find the working group's report "Preparing Citizens: Report on Civic Learning and Engagement" . David Roach and I will present the findings and recommendations of the working group.