Each year several million high school graduates and other young adults reach their 18th birthday and become eligible to register to vote, thereby gaining an equal voice in the decisions about the future direction of our communities, our state, and our constitutional republic. They are joined on the voter rolls each year by a million or more immigrants who become naturalized citizens and exercise their new right to participate fully in our politics.
The difference between these two grousp of new voters is that the newly naturalized citizens know more about the history and fundamentals of America's governmental institutions than their native-born countrymen.
Immigrants must pass a civics literacy test to become citizens and eligible to vote, whereas native-born Americans do not. The assumption underlying our voting system is that young Americans learn enough history and civics in school to become responsible citizens. But there is abundant evidence that this is not the case.
Through the Civics Literacy Project, the Rocky Mountain Foundation will endeavor to raise public awareness of this problem and offer constructive solutions.
We will partner with non-profit oganizations like the Bill of Rights Institute, schools, and individual teachers to improve teacher training in American history and civics.
We will support a Speakers Bureau to offer qualified presenters for school classrooms.
We will identify and encourage the use of original documents and other learning resources that can assist teachers, students and parents.
We will encourage research and better public understanding of the attitudes, values and moral framework voters of all ages bring to the public arena and the voting booth.
We will promote discussion and debate on educational standards and curriculum content that strive to raise standards and enhance students' opportnitites to learn about the country's political institutions and constitutional traditions.
DO YOU KNOW WHO IS TEACHING YOUR KIDS
This is what American Public School has to offer;
Your tax dollars at work.
