Civic Literacy - Required 21st Century Skill

• Participating effectively in civic life through knowing how to stay informed and understanding governmental processes
• Exercising the rights and obligations of citizenship at local, state, national and global levels
• Understanding the local and global implications of civic decisions

Additional resources on civic literacy: 

1.   The Maryland Center for Civic Education

Highly regarded nonprofit organization.

2.   CIRCLE

Since 2001, CIRCLE has conducted, collected, and funded research on the civic and political participation of young Americans. CIRCLE is based in the University of Maryland's School of Public Policy and is funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts and Carnegie C.

3.   Welcome To the Center For Civic Education

Today, the Center administers a wide range of critically acclaimed curricular, teacher-training, and community-based programs. The principal goals of the Center's programs are to help students develop (1) an increased understanding of the institutions of American constitutional democracy and the fundamental principles and values upon which they are founded, (2) the skills necessary to participate as effective and responsible citizens, and (3) the willingness to use democratic procedures for making decisions and managing conflict.

4.   Civics Quiz

Online civics quiz - for high school students

5.    Learn how Government Around the World Operate

Everything to do with social studies in a child friendly environment, with age appropriate links.

6.    Related Resources - Behavioral Studies/Social Sciences

Lesson plans for civics education

7.    What if civics class were an online game? | csmonitor.com

Thought provoking article that describes a gaming approach to civics education.

8.    Close Up Foundation Civics Education | Civics Resources

The Close Up Foundation is the nation's largest nonprofit (501(c)(3)), nonpartisan citizenship education organization. Since its founding in 1970, Close Up has worked to promote responsible and informed participation in the democratic process.