CIRCLE Releases Findings from National Survey of Civics and Government Teachers

In 2013, with funding from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, CIRCLE surveyed a national sample of civics and U.S. government teachers which produced the report “All Together Now: Collaboration and Innovation for Youth Engagement.” .

CIRCLE recently released a new fact sheet with detailed data from that national teacher survey, along with key conclusions and recommendations.Some central findings:

•Virtually all teachers believe in the importance of civic education, but disagree on what to prioritize
•Most teachers do not shy away from encouraging discussion of controversial social and political issues
•Civics and government teachers work in complex environments, and often have not had adequate professional development

The survey includes additional data about how teachers approach topics and activities like voting, media literacy, and community service. It also touches on how civics and government teachers incorporated the 2012 election into their courses.