December 2016 Newsletter

News from the Center for Civic Education

A new middle school We the People textbook is available, paper reveals a "civic empowerment gap," Congress recognizes the importance of civic education, and more in this month's newsletter.

New We the People Middle School Textbook Launched

The Center is proud to announce that a third edition of the We the People: The Citizen & the Constitution Level 2 (middle school) textbook has been released. This newly revised edition features updated text, images, and exercises to ensure that the next generation of Americans has the intellectual tools they need to become informed and engaged citizens. An updated teacher's guide will be available in spring 2017.

Cohort I of the James Madison Legacy Project: The Results are In

We're thrilled to announce that 649 teachers from across the country have completed cohort I of the James Madison Legacy Project (JMLP). The JMLP is a three-year nationwide initiative designed to expand the availability and effectiveness of civics instruction through professional development with an emphasis on digital content. Diana Owen of Georgetown University has published a new paper detailing the full results of this cohort.

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Engaging High-Need Students in the Digital Age

When it comes to the civic education of high-need students, the ones who need it most are often the ones shortchanged. In her new paper, Georgetown scholar Diana Owen explores the nature of the "civic empowerment gap" created when students in high-need schools do not receive civics instruction that keeps pace with the requirements of engaged citizenship. Owen also explores the differences in pedagogies used by teachers of high-need and non-high-need students, focusing on the extent to which they employ techniques that will prepare students for citizenship in the age of digital politics.

Civic Education: The U.S. Constitution Is the Core by Charles N. Quigley

Over the past three years U.S. Senators Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ben Cardin (D-Maryland) have passed three successive resolutions in the U.S. Senate concerning the importance of effective civic education and constitutional literacy programs in U.S. schools. In his latest blog post, Center Executive Director Charles N. Quigley explores just how fundamental civic education is.

American Judges Foundation Awards Grant to We the People

The Center would like to acknowledge the generosity of the American Judges Foundation, which recently bestowed our organization a grant of $3,500 to support the We the People program. Judge Catherine Shaffer, the Foundation's President for 2016-17, expressed the AJF's ongoing warmest wishes and sincere thanks for all the wonderful work We the People does in advancing civic education for our high school students nationwide.

Use Your Smartphone to Support Civic Education

Did you know you can contribute to the Center with just the push of a button? Currently, the Center is accepting $10 donations via text. Text CIVICS to 20222 to donate. A one-time donation of $10.00 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance.

Donor must be age 18+ and all donations must be authorized by the account holder (e.g. parents). By texting YES, the user agrees to the terms and conditions. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the Center for Civic Education by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at www.hmgf.org/t. Message & Data Rates May Apply. You can unsubscribe at any time by texting STOP to 20222; text HELP to 20222 for help. Privacy Policy

Congratulations, Constitution 101 Graduates!

With support from Robert Leming, national director of the We the People program at the Center for Civic Education, Indianapolis residents immersed themselves in lessons about our political system, its philosophical roots, and the ideals embodied in our Constitution.

Katie Fustich Joins Center Staff

The Center is pleased to welcome Katie Fustich to our staff as a new editorial assistant working on the James Madison Legacy Project, social media, the Center's website, and our many publications. Katie is a graduate of New York University. Her writing has appeared in The Pacific Standard, Salon, The Daily Dot, and more.

Today in History Series Launched on YouTube

In order to honor the rich history of the United States, the Center has launched a Today in History series of videos on our YouTube channel. Be sure to check back as new civic holidays arise for the latest in our fun, informative video series.

Shop Amazon This Holiday Season to Support the Center for Civic Education

Shopping for gifts this holiday season? Use this link to benefit We the People and the Center's other civic education programs. Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the Center for Civic Education. You pay the same price for your purchases, but you have the satisfaction of knowing you've helped students receive the high-quality civic education they deserve. Bookmark the link and keep giving all year with every purchase.

This newsletter is a brief bulletin designed to keep you informed about some of the Center for Civic Education's news and events. Information presented includes news from around the country, news from other countries in the Center's Civitas International network, grant and award opportunities, and program updates and clarifications. If you have pertinent material that you would like to include in future newsletters, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..