Modesto City Schools

MODESTO CITY SCHOOLS GOVERNING BOARD RESOLUTION NO. 04/05-27

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY IN EDUCATION

WHEREAS, for more than 225 years, Americans have shared a vision of democracy in which all citizens understand, appreciate, and engage actively in civic and political life; and

WHEREAS, the goals of a quality civic education should help young people acquire and learn to use the skills, knowledge and attitudes that will prepare them to be competent and responsible citizens throughout their life; and

WHEREAS, in recent decades, concern has grown about the increasing numbers of Americans who are disengaging from civic and political institutions, volunteer associations, religious congregations and community-based organizations; and

WHEREAS, it is crucial for the future health of our democracy that all young people, including those who are usually marginalized, be knowledgeable, engaged in their communities and in politics and committed to the public good; and

WHEREAS, research demonstrates that our schools are an effective place to provide instruction in and opportunities for the application of democratic principles and that early adolescence is a particularly critical time for civic education; and

WHEREAS, encouraging the development of civic skills and attitudes among young people has been an important goal of education and was the primary impetus for originally establishing public schools; and

WHEREAS, schools are communities in which young people learn to interact, argue, and work together with others and arenas for developing and promoting civil discourse, an important foundation for future citizenship; and

WHEREAS, the democratic principles that underlie our society, the structure and functions of government, and the rights, responsibilities and participation of citizens should be a continual and meaningful part of instruction throughout every child’s education.

MODESTO CITY SCHOOLS RESOLUTION NO. 04/05-27 Page 2 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education continue to support and promote programs and activities that teach civic responsibility (e.g., First Amendment Schools, Character Education, Human Relations, Conflict Resolution, World Religions, Community Service Projects).

THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION was introduced at a regular meeting of the Board of Education held on the 28th day of February, 2005 by Governing Board member who made the motion, which motion being duly seconded by was, upon roll call, carried into Resolution and passed by the following vote:

ABSTAINED:

ABSENT:

ATTEST:

James C. Enochs, Secretary Board of Education Modesto City Schools