Arizona has been a leader in K12 civic education over the past ten years. Arizona’s civic education successes span from statewide policy to individual school districts engaging in innovative civic pedagogies and programs.
2012-2013
The Arizona Department of Education formulated the Civic Education + Community Engagement (CE2) Program (previously titled the Excellence in Civic Engagement Program or ECEP) as one of the country's first state-level Department of Education civic outreach initiatives. The CE2 program aimed to 1) provide resources and professional civic learning opportunities, 2) recognize schools and programs that utilize the ten proven practices of civic learning, 3) share and advocate for best practices in civic participation and 4) cultivate collaborative spaces for community engagement. Schools across Arizona were invited to apply for the CE2 recognition award as a school implementing the proven practices of civic education. The CE2 program also held an annual Civic Learning Conference for K16 educators and community partners. Keynote speakers for the conference have included Joel Westheimer, Mary Beth Tinker, and Gerda Weissmann Klein.
2015
The American Civics Act, HB2064, passed bipartisanly through Arizona’s House and Senate to require students, beginning with the graduating class of 2017, to pass the Arizona Civics Exam, a test based on the United States Immigration and Naturalization civics questions. Over 30 other states have since followed suit, requiring passing a similar exam, with varying implementation and reporting specifics.
2016
Phoenix Union High School District initiated the first district-wide pilot of a School Participatory Budgeting (SPB) process in which students directly decide how to allocate a portion of the district’s budget. Drawing from the best practice that students “learn democracy by doing,” SPB has shown to build stronger school communities, improve relationships and amplify student voice. Through SPB, students are empowered as community problem-solvers and acquire skills and attitudes needed for lifelong active citizenship.
2016
The Arizona Department of Education began the process of rewriting the state Social Studies standards. The goals of the revision included a greater emphasis on civics and the inclusion of disciplinary skills and processes and a cohesive storyline from K12.
2018
The Arizona Board of Education approved the adoption of the new History and Social Science Standards, with a gradual transition to full implementation in the 2020-2021 academic year.
2018
Governor Ducey expanded the K12 civics focus through SB144, requiring all high school students to take a semester-long civic course for graduation. This requirement was intended to support students in passing the Arizona Civics Exam.
2019
Governor Ducey designated September 25th as Sandra Day O’Connor Day to honor Arizona’s own Justice O’Connor and her appointment as the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Arizona’s K12 schools celebrate this day by studying her biography and accomplishments, utilizing Justice O’Connor’s iCivics platform to teach law and civic duty.
2019
The Arizona State Board of Education approves the Seal of Civic Literacy program. The opt-in program recognizes students who have achieved specific indicators of civic engagement with a seal placed on the participating students’ high school graduation diploma. These indicators include fulfillment of academic courses in the Social Studies, documented community service hours, participation in three school-based civic education programs or clubs, participation in three community-based civic activities or clubs, and a written reflection of the overall experience.
