Research shows socio- economic status often determines a student’s


opportunity to engage in civic learning. Schools


must prepare all students to become good citizens and problem-solvers.


I 20 Leadership


n today’s education reform discus- sions we hear much about the need to close gaps and prepare students for college and career. While it is vital


to our nation’s future that every student be prepared to succeed in higher educa- tion and in the workforce, it is vital to the health and future of our democracy that our schools also prepare students for a life- time of knowledgeable, engaged and active citizenship. Unfortunately, access to civic education


is extremely lacking in California schools. Furthermore, we find that even among stu- dents afforded civic learning opportunities, gaps exist between groups. A “civic oppor- tunity gap” confirmed by research finds that race/ethnicity, academic track and socio-economic status often determines a student’s opportunity to engage in civic learning (Kahne & Middaugh, 2008). This study finds that high school students “at- tending higher SES schools, those who are college-bound, and white students get more


of these (civic learning) opportunities than low-income students, those not heading to college, and students of color.” Why is this important to address? As


noted in the executive summary of the re- search report: “Equal access to high school civic learn-


ing opportunities becomes more pressing when we consider that low-income citizens, those who are less educated, and citizens of color are under-represented in the political process. Based on a review of relevant re- search, the American Political Science Task Force on Inequality and American Democ- racy (2004) reported: ‘The privileged par- ticipate more than others and are increas- ingly well organized to press their demands on government ... Citizens with low or mod- erate incomes speak with a whisper that is lost on the ears of inattentive government, while the advantaged roar with the clarity


By Michelle M. Herczog


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