Civics for Life Quarterly, Issue 3

Our democracy and society depend on civic education—a vital tool that gives Americans the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for being well-informed citizens and actively taking part in our democratic system. While there have been significant efforts to improve civic knowledge among K–12 students and educators, it’s important not to forget about adults who missed…

American Patriot, Nathan Hale

Nathan Hale, a young American schoolteacher turned patriot spy, remains a poignant symbol of sacrifice, bravery, and devotion to the cause of American independence. His short but impactful life unfolded during the early tumultuous years of the American Revolutionary War, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s history and collective memory. Born on June 6,…

New Evidence on Trickle-Down and Trickle-Up Influences in Civic Education and Engagement

Families play a big role in shaping political identities, but the details of how this happens are less clear. The O’Connor Institute’s premier policy brief uses K-12, birth, and voting records for over 580,000 students to investigate this question. The findings are significant and will be of great interest to policymakers, educators, and families.