Implementing the Participate Civics
Implementing the Participate Civics
Curriculum
Curriculum
Embedded Files
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State Graduation Requirement
State Graduation Requirement
Participate Civics is a curriculum part of Skyline Social Science developed by CPS to meet the state civics graduation requirement. Through this capstone course, students will develop the critical knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to be active and engaged participants in our democracy.
Participate Civics is not based on a textbook; instead, it features a flexible curriculum that includes a variety of engaging interactive lessons reflecting best practices in civic education:
Strong content for instruction in government, politics, and civic participation
Discussion of current and controversial public issues
Participation in simulations (or actual) democratic processes and procedures
Opportunities to interact authentically with policymakers and other community resources
Authentic literacy tasks that are aligned to CCSS, ISBE Social Science Standards and include SAT-style assessment prompts
Two Essential Questions provide the underpinnings of the curriculum:
Who has power in our democracy, why do they have it, and how do they use it?
Who has power in our democracy, why do they have it, and how do they use it?
What power do I have in our democracy? How will I use that power?
What power do I have in our democracy? How will I use that power?
Participate Civics Curriculum
Participate Civics Curriculum
As part of Skyline Social Science, our program includes connection to our expansive network, a variety of professional development opportunities, tools and resources, student events, and ongoing instructional support from civics instructional specialists.
Currently, we offer our schools and teachers:
Ongoing professional development during the school year (sub-coverage included) and a summer Participatory Civics Education Institute;
Curriculum that is research-based, meets ISBE standards, and includes SAT-style tasks and assessments;
Regular updates and resources on powerful civic practices, including a bi-monthly newsletter, Google Civics classroom, and connections to local partners and institutions;
Professional Learning Communities: Chicago Civic partners facilitate PLCs of teacher leaders that include deliverables that can be shared with other teachers in your school;
Participation in planning and civic network convenings;
Regular and ongoing support, including visits and partnering across school teams;
Student Events, leadership opportunities, and engagement in large-scale simulations;
Coaching and support for schools interested in doing civic learning integration in other content areas, interdisciplinary service learning projects, and more.
Additional Supports
Additional Supports
Participate Civics Mandate Guidance
Participate Civics Mandate Guidance
High School Mandate: At minimum, students must earn 0.5 credit (at least 1 semester) in Civics or the equivalent. Read the entire ISBE Social Science Graduation Requirement here.
Middle School Mandate: At minimum, schools must offer a semester of Civics. For more information regarding programming and the Constitution Assessment requirement please see: Participate Civics Middle School FAQ
Google Classroom
Google Classroom
Please join our online community via Google Classroom: 8th Grade | 11th Grade
Contacts
Contacts
If you are interested in learning more about the Civics Course or how Civic Learning can support your school improvement goals, contact:
Nicole Smith-Franklin, Social Science Content Specialist, Grade 8: nsmith-fran@cps.edu
Maya Chavez Akin, Social Science Content Specialist, Grade 11: mchavezakin@cps.edu
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