The rationale for this project is replete in the documentation that drives instructional objectives in America. Sustaining the American system of government is dependent on the growth and development of a more effective citizenry. Listed below are excerpts from national, state and local standards that indicate this as a primary direction for education.
Elementary Standards
2nd grade Virginia civics standards state the student will explain the responsibilities of a good citizen, with emphasis on
a) respecting and protecting the rights and property of others;
b) taking part in the voting process when making classroom decisions;
c) describing actions that can improve the school and community;
d) demonstrating self-discipline and self-reliance;
e) practicing honesty and trustworthiness.
Secondary Standards
The National Standards from the National Council for the Social Studies:
The study of civic ideals and practices, the central purpose of social studies, prepares learners for full participation in society. Examining civic ideals and practices across time and in diverse societies prepares learners to close the gap between present practices and the ideals upon which our democratic republic is based.
The Center for Civic Education:
Two central ideas of “our system” are the concepts of civic virtue and the common good. Civic virtue requires the individual to subordinate personal interests to the interests of the community as a whole--the common good. “Our system” considers promotion of the common good--the good of the people as a whole rather than the good of the individual or of certain segments of society--to be the fundamental purpose of government. Citizens, therefore, need to understand that American society is perpetually "unfinished" and that each generation must address ways to narrow the disparity between ideals and reality.
The Virginia Standards of Learning for U.S. and Virginia Government:
GOVT. 9-The student will demonstrate knowledge of the process by which public policy is made by:
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examining different perspectives on the role of government;
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describing how the national government influences the public agenda and shapes public policy;
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describing how the state and local governments influence the public agenda and shape public policy;
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describing the process by which policy is implemented by the bureaucracy at each level;
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analyzing how individuals, interest groups, and the media influence public policy;
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formulating and practicing a course of action to address local and/or state issues
Albemarle County Public School Lifelong Learner Standards:
#10-Participate fully in civic life, and act on democratic ideals within the context of community and global interdependence.