DIGITAL

CHALKBOARD

Release of the Task Force Report:

The California Task Force on K-12 Civic Learning completed their task of publishing their report, Revitalizing K-12 Civic Learning in California: A Blueprint for Action. The Task Force Co-Chairs presented the report  to Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson on August 5, 2014 in Sacramento.  The Task Force Co-Chairs also turned over the work of implementing the report to the Power of Democracy Steering Committee.

Follow the work of the Power of Democracy Steering Committee at http://www.powerofdemocracy.org.

Regional Meetings:

 Seven public hearings were held statewide to share the Task Force’s draft recommendations for improving civic learning in California’s K-12 schools, and hear feedback from the public. We appreciate all those who participated in the meetings and/or provided feedback electronically via an on-line survey.  The task force will review the feedback and finalize the blueprint that will be shared with elected officials, the media, and the public this fall to guide future policy discussions and possible legislation to improve K-12 civic learning in California. 

Please see the "CLTF Regional Meetings" folder to the right for more information on Task Force Meetings.

Read the News Release Announcing the Regional Meetings.

Read the draft recommendations, "Revitalizing Civic Learning in California: A Call to Action."

View the Joint Invitation for Public Input from the Chief Justice and Superintendent.

Follow us on Facebook!   https://www.facebook.com/CACivicLearning

Read more about Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson's Civic Education Initiative.

Read more about Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye's cand her Power of Democracy Steering Committee's civic literacy campaign for California's schools.

Submitting Feedback Electronically - Closed April 1.

Regional Meeting Dates and Locations:

• February 7, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., Los Angeles County Office of Education
• March 8, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Shearaton Hotel LAX
• March 20, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.,  Larry E. Reider Education Center, Bakersfield
• March 24, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., San Diego Central Library
• March 25, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Roy C. Hill Education Center, San Bernadino
• March 28, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., State Capitol, Sacramento
• April 1, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Oakland City Hall 

View the Presentation

The video "California Task Force Overview on K-12 Civic Learning," provides an overview of the work of the Task Force and recommendations, and is now streaming. 

Task Force Description:

It has become increasingly apparent that our educational mission must also focus on preparing students to become responsible, actively engaged citizens in our democratic society. To achieve this goal, Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson have joined together to establish the California Task Force on K-12 Civic Learning. The task force will bring definition to the skills, knowledge, and dispositions that our students need to be informed and involved citizens and community members,  and make recommendations for how we can achieve these outcomes for all students in California. The task force will create a blueprint to address four key areas for California school communities and students in grades K-12: Curriculum, Instructional Practices, and Resources; Professional Learning; Community and Business Partnerships; and Student Assessment and School Accountability.

Process:

Superintendent David Gordon, Sacramento County Office of Education and Justice Judith McConnell, Administrative Presiding Justice, Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District are task force co-chairs.  The task force includes members of the public, civic education experts, and representatives of education coalition groups. Advisory task force members provide expertise and information to assist the process as needed.  The task force will share the recommendations and seek public input at meetings throughout the state and on-line before preparing a final Civic Learning Blueprint that will make recommendations to the Chief Justice of California, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, State Board of Education, Chair of the Assembly Education Committee and Chair of the Senate Education Committee.

Read the News Release announcing the California Task Force for K-12 Civic Learning.

Task Force Timeline: July 2013- Summer 2014

- Draft Recommendations: January 2014

- Regional Meetings: February - March 2014

- Civic Learning Blueprint: Summer 2014

The California Task Force on K-12 Civic Learning is generously supported by funds from the California Bar Foundation.