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Teaching Engaged Citizenship Act of 2021
12/31/2022, 8:59 AM
Summary of Bill HR 5288
Key provisions of the bill include the establishment of a grant program to support schools in developing and implementing high-quality civic education programs. These programs would focus on teaching students about the principles of democracy, the importance of civic engagement, and the skills needed to participate effectively in civic life.
Additionally, the bill calls for the creation of a national clearinghouse of resources and best practices for civic education, to help schools and educators improve their curriculum and teaching methods. It also encourages partnerships between schools, community organizations, and government agencies to enhance civic education opportunities for students. Overall, the Teaching Engaged Citizenship Act of 2021 aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become informed, active, and engaged citizens in our democracy. By investing in civic education, the bill seeks to strengthen our democracy and ensure that future generations are prepared to participate meaningfully in civic life.
Congressional Summary of HR 5288
Teaching Engaged Citizenship Act of 2021
This bill provides resources to expand civic education.
Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Education (ED) to establish the Civic Education and Service Learning Grant Program to award grants to eligible entities (e.g., state educational agencies) for promoting and expanding civic education in public elementary and secondary schools.
Next, the bill creates the Office of Civic Education within ED to promote civic education throughout the United States. The office must establish the Center for Civic Excellence to analyze programs created with the use of grant funds and develop best practices for implementing civic education.
Further, the bill establishes the role of Assistant Secretary for Civic Education, whose responsibilities shall include managing the grant program established by the bill. It also establishes an advisory committee to advise the assistant secretary on civic education policy.
The bill requires the National Assessment of Educational Progress in civics and history to be administered every two years to certain grade levels. Further, civics and history assessment data must be published in the aggregate for the United States and separately for each state.
Additionally, the bill establishes an annual Excellence in Civics Award to highlight excellence in the development and teaching of civic education and service learning.
The Library of Congress, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the National Archives and Records Administration must work jointly to develop and publicly distribute educational materials and teaching resources related to civic education and effective citizenship.
