Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

Getting to know their government: Statewide initiative seeks to improve civic education for Washington students

Olympia – Governor Jay Inslee and Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Fairhurst will welcome a diverse group of advocates to a unique summit in Olympia on January 23rd that will launch a statewide effort to improve civics education for all Washington students, with the help of businesses, after-school programs, community groups, judges, lawmakers and individuals as well as schools.

The Civic Learning Initiative plans to create an interactive iCivics web site with games for students as well as resources for teachers, to seek legislation for more civics education in schools, to build public-private partnerships throughout the state, to host further summits (the second summit will feature U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor) and to measure results.

The effort grew out of increasing concern for how little understanding young people nationwide have for the workings of their government, or that they have a role to play in it. Numerous national studies have shown a strong disconnect between American youth and the workings of democracy.

“A democracy thrives when its citizens vote, show up for jury duty, engage in public life, are aware of civic issues, listen to other viewpoints, and interact with lawmakers,” said Margaret Fisher, a member of the Council on Public Legal Education and the lead coordinator for the Civic Learning Initiative.

The January 23rd summit will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both the Temple of Justice and the General Administration Auditorium on the Capital Campus. It will include a welcome from Chief Justice Mary Fairhurst and Governor Inslee, the swearing in of Echo Lake Elementary School students elected to the office of the President of the United States, and numerous presentations. Presenters and panelists include U.S. District Court Judge Robert Lasnik, Justice Barbara Madsen, Secretary of State Kim Wyman, incoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal, Seattle Attorney General Bob Ferguson, Civic Leader Eric Liu, UW Professor Walter Parker, legislators, youth, educators and principals.

The Civic Learning Initiative was developed by the Council on Public Legal Education (part of LawforWA.org), to specifically address gaps in meaningful civic learning for all Washington youth, with a focus on underserved youth. The Initiative focuses on the policies, resources, and support necessary for success in K-12 schools and outside school youth development programs. The Initiative will include state-specific version of the national online iCivics.org curriculum, professional development, involvement of after-school programs, and localized community partnerships.

A second Summit will be held in Spring 2018 featuring U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and an examination of progress made as well as future steps.

In recent years, study after study has shown that most young people in the United States have poor knowledge of, and are disconnected from, the basics of our democracy. In 2014 only 23 percent of 8th graders tested "proficient" on the Nation's Report Card civics exam. Studies also show that quality civic learning is one of the most important factors in determining whether young people will actively participate in their communities as adults.

CONTACT:  Margaret Fisher, Civic Learning Initiative coordinator, (206) 501-7963, Margaret.Fisher@courts.wa.gov.