Civic Learning Week 2023
National civic education leader iCivics is spearheading the inaugural National Civics Learning Week March 6-10, 2023, with the theme of “Making civics learning a nationwide priority for a stronger democracy”. Civics education helps students understand about themselves and the world they live in, how to connect with others and with their communities. It helps them be informed and active members of society.
DPI also has a brand new infographic resource for Wisconsin educators on getting students involved in regional and local government and advocacy groups. Special thanks to Jim Renzelmann from Sheboygan Area School District for the resource curation!
Join DPI Social Studies consultant Kris McDaniel on Tuesday, March 7 at 4pm for an overview of what's happening in Wisconsin civics and a highlight of some of the national virtual presentations for National Civic Learning Week (March 6-10, 2023)! Register here to recieve the Zoom link via email on Monday, March 6.
Wisconsin Civic Learning Coalition
Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies
The Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies annual conference this year is March 10-12 in Madison, WI. The theme is "Many Voices, One Wisconsin" and focuses on shared histories and civic identities. Wisconsin Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jill Underly will be keynoting the conference on Saturday, March 11. There are many opportunities for professional learning in civics at the conference - check out the schedule and register! It's a great way to end Civics Learning Week..
Some virtual highlights of the week include:
- March 7: Civic Learning Week Opening Forum. Speakers to kick off the week that address the following topics: Civic Education For a Plural Yet Shared Nation, What’s New in Research: Evidence and Impact of Civic Learning, Why Civics Matters, Preparing Students for Digital Democracy: the Frontier of Information Literacy in K-12 Civic Education.
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March 8: Civics Challenge Game.
Jeopardy-style game that asks students questions that are on the U.S. Citizenship test.
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March 8:
Voting Rights, the Constitution, and Representative Government.
Webinar with the National Archives where students learn how contemporary events re: civic engagement impact their lives. There are pre-and post program activities.
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March 9: Beyond the Vote: Youth Civic Participation from Classroom to Community.
Panel discussion by youth moderators with a focus on how students can become engaged citizens in their communities.
Highlights opportunities for students to take civic action.
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March 10: The First Amendment: Five Rights in One!
Event for elementary students about the first amendment. Includes pre-and post program activities.
Events
Civic Learning Week gives educators and community members the opportunity see what is happening in real classrooms across the country. Check out the CLW webpage of events to participate in many different online opportunities, including media literacy, the use of simulations in the classroom, digital storytelling, content sessions, and even sessions your students can attend!
National Resources
The Civic Learning Week website also provides links to the resources of their presenters, just in case you can’t get to a virtual presentation. These include partners such as the National Archives, iCivics, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, and the Democratic Knowledge Project.
WISELearn Resources
WISELearn is the State of Wisconsin's Open Ed Resources (OER) platform. In it, resources are curated and aligned to state standards such as the Wisconsin Standards for Social Studies (2018). In the last year, educators across the state have helped us curate resources into the Excellence in Wisconsin Civics group - and we'll be adding a lot more in the next few months!