CRFC Helps Draft CPS Capstone Civics Course

CRFC has helped develop a 12th grade capstone civics course for the Chicago Public Schools as part of the district’s new Global Citizenship Initiative (GCI). GCI is an effort by CPS to respond to the critical need to support and strengthen the civic mission of schools.

Work on the semester-long course began in February with CRFC, Facing History and Ourselves, The Mikva Challenge, and a select group of teachers and university professors. In addition to overall design, CRFC wrote the unit on public policy.

In addition to curriculum design, CRFC is providing professional development to teachers who will field test the course. Fifteen CPS high schools will pilot the initiative this fall. A companion financial literacy course will be offered in the spring.

The Global Citizenship Initiative has drawn national attention as a possible model for other large urban school districts, and it was the focus of an Urban Civic Education Summit on July 26. CPS is working with an independent evaluator to assess implementation and identify areas for improvement.

For more information, contact Dee [x203, runaas@crfc.org].