Assessing the Head, Heart, and Hands of Civic Learning

Is a student's understanding of civics best measured by a multiple-choice exam? In this episode of Data Lit, we examine this question by unpacking how we assess civic learning in educational spaces. Using a “Head, Heart, and Hands" framework for defining civics, we discuss how educators can use performance tasks, capstone projects, and rubrics to measure “unmeasurable" skills like civil discourse and community problem-solving. Tune in to learn how we can transform civic data from a simple score into a roadmap for active and informed citizenship.

Research & resources from the episode:

• Center for Assessment: Assessing Civic Learning

• Promoting K-12 Learning and Civic Engagement through Assessments

• DRA’s Assessment Literacy Course

• Validity and Reliability Video

• Cult of Pedagogy: Meet the Single-Point Rubric

Theme song by Millbrook High School’s Tre'mond Ponton