Date: 02/22/2006
Final
Civic Mission of Schools
COMMITTEE ON JOINT EDUCATION
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08:30 AM -- Civic Mission of Schools
Congressman David Skaggs and Jill Conrad, Colorado Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, came to the table to update the committee on the status of civic education initiatives. Three hand-outs were distributed (Attachments C through G). Congressman Skaggs said that he is the national director for the Civic Mission of Schools. He provided background on the origins of the initiative. He discussed the role of civic learning and public education in a democracy. He discussed the various ways that civic education takes place beyond a curriculum and noted the grants that the campaign has received.
08:38 AM
Ms. Conrad responded to questions regarding the campaign's role in supporting the state appropriation that was made for civic education for FY 2005-06.
08:39 AM
Byron Pendley, Colorado Department of Education, discussed the new initiative for civic education and indicated that stakeholders had been assembled in preparation for allocating the funds. He said that professional development was identified as the top priority. He said that two regional conferences have been held so far and have primarily targeted secondary school teachers and administrators. Conferences for elementary school personnel are also planned. He indicated that a catalog of providers of civic education curriculum has been published and offered to schools. Mr. Pendley indicated that about 25 school districts are participating in the initiative so far. Barbara Miller, Center for Education in Law and Democracy, also commented on her perceptions and participation in the initiative.
08:45 AM
Congressman Skaggs made final comments and expressed appreciation for the General Assembly's support of the initiative. Representative Todd commented on her experience as a middle school teacher. Senator Windels discussed plans for a resolution on civic education to be introduced in the General Assembly.
08:51 AM
The committee adjourned.