The document outlines the importance of civic education and literacy for K-12 students in Charlotte, emphasizing the need for understanding government and participation in civic life. It highlights various programs, particularly the 'Kids Voting Mecklenburg' initiative, which enhances classroom resources and learning opportunities. The aim is to foster effective citizenship and leadership skills through critical thinking and engagement with current and historical civic issues.

1. Civic Education & Learning Opportunities in Charlotte 2011-12 Introduction

2. Without civic literacy , students can’t graduate or become effective citizens and leaders

3. Civic Literacy Knowing how governments & communities work Understand government Participate in civic life Exercise rights, obligations of citizenship Local, state, national and global levels Understand implications of civic decisions Why should it matter to me?

4. Civic Literacy Social Studies, Reading, Writing Connect historical events - contemporary issues Connect local - global issues Compare different forms of government Apply knowledge: local, state, national, global Gather, analyze, use info from different sources Express perspectives in response to issues Informational literacy

5. One organization provides the opportunity for K-12 civic literacy in Charlotte Kids Voting Mecklenburg

6. More than a mock vote 1992: a mock election event 2011-12: year-long program with wider impact Civic education and leadership Longtime CMS partner, other partners Increases K-12 classroom resources Increases K-12 learning opportunities Narrows gaps

7. More than a mock vote Helps students in school Civics & Economics US and World History Middle School Social Studies and LA K-8 Reading, Writing and Social Studies Builds knowledge and skills Effective leadership and citizenship 21 st Century Skills

8. Civics in Action: Our Programs & Resources Combining classroom education and community learning opportunities is the best way to increase civic literacy and build youth leadership skills

9. Civic Education 21 st century civic learning Governments, issues, leaders Current and historic events Critical thinking, decisions Multi-disciplinary History, civics, reading, writing Aligns civic learning to US, NC and district goals Age-appropriate topics Leadership, civic participation, economics, democracy, government, law

10. Civic Education Connect lessons to real life Guides aligning generic civics instruction with our government, leaders, issues, documents Relevant topics boost comprehension Easy to use, flexible, standards-based Civic education partners Others Newspapers in Education Civic Action Project iCivics Civic Education Consortium Kids Voting

11. Civics in real life Guides highlighting discussion questions, educational content and resources Current Events Issues, news, government budgeting, policies, decisions Special Events Constitution Day, Election Day, MLK Day, President’s Day, State of the Union, Black History Month, more Political events 2012 Elections and Conventions, Debates

12. Classroom Resources How to access Website: www.kidsvoting.org Classroom Resource Library Some PDFs need password: civicliteracy Civic Learning Center accessible on home page and education section or directly at www.kidsvotingcharlotte.org E-News and updates Sign up for civic learning highlights, opportunities School Representative Shares information, curriculum updates, etc.

13. Teacher support Leadership and professional development opportunities for 250+ teachers annually Best practices in 21st century civic learning Foster leadership and collaboration Continuing education credits, recommendations Connect teachers to community Aligned to district and state objectives including teacher performance criteria

14. Civics in Action Grades K-12 Election Experience Variety of Civic Learning Opportunities High school Youth Civics Youth Voice – Leadership Alliance Other connections to government, leadership

15. Election Experience EDUCATING FOR DEMOCRACY Using the Kids Voting ballot, students vote on real candidates and issues and develop knowledge, habits and skills

16. Election Experience Traditional “Kids Voting” program K-12 students engage in democracy Educates students about offices, candidates, elections and voting Service-learning in polling places Voting at school, online, in polls Annual community-wide participation 2010: 45,000+ students in Charlotte 2008: 75,000+ students in Charlotte

17. YouthCivics Interaction with public officials, government Educates students Local government Community issues Civic leadership Budget process Public service Media and digital literacy LOCAL GOVERNMENT Students learn about CMS, city and county leaders, policies and budgets and visit official meetings

18. YouthCivics MEDIA LITERACY Charlotte Observer editor Rick Thames explains the First Amendment and how news is reported

19. YouthCivics LAW, SKILLS Superior Court Judge Hugh Lewis assists as a student jury eagerly debates and reaches consensus in a mock trial

20. Youth Voice/Leadership LEARNING, LEADING Exploring civic leadership, policies and decisions with community leaders and through student collaboration

21. Youth Voice/Leadership Leadership alliance Meet regularly, in government settings Identify and discuss policies and issues Engage with officials Build civic leadership, communication skills, confidence YOUTH CIVIC LEADERSHIP Students discuss CMS policies with peers and Peter Gorman

22. Youth Voice/Leadership RAISING VOICES, CITIZENS AND LEADERS Interviewing candidates for school board, mayor and county commission on issues important to young people At the table to discuss important policies and issues and provide a valuable youth perspective in decision-making

23. Civics in Action Civic Education PLUS Combines classroom learning plus real content and/or experiences Best way to learn Builds knowledge, skill, comprehension Narrows gaps

24. Helps students Civics and Economics Emphasis on Goals 3,4,5,6,10 Local and state government , civic involvement US and World History Connect historical events with current issues Government, politics, civic involvement, democracy

25. Helps students Grades 6-8 Connect historical events with current issues Compare and contrast, role-play through fictional, historical or other appropriate perspective Government, politics, civic responsibilities Clear linkages to Language Arts

26. Helps students Grades K-5 Language Arts Informational text, communication skills, reading, writing, evaluating information, thinking critically Social Studies Local, state and national government Roles of citizens and leaders History, economics Civic participation, leadership

27. Helps students Helps students in school Civics & Economics US and World History Middle School Social Studies and LA K-8 Reading, Writing and Math Builds knowledge and skills, civic literacy Effective leadership and citizenship 21 st Century Skills Narrows gaps

28. Ways to Connect At school School Representative Department Chair Direct Website: www.kidsvoting.org Sign up for email, news, updates

29. Connect Connect to Kids Voting Amy Farrell, Executive Director Email: [email_address] Phone: 704-343-6999 Web: www.kidsvoting.org FB: www.facebook.com/kidsvotingcharlotte Twitter: www.twitter.com/kidsvotingclt Civics resources: www.kidsvotingcharlotte.org