Resolution 8
Promote Robust Civics Instruction in All Schools
WHEREAS, the United States is approaching the 250th anniversary of its founding, a milestone that invites reflection on the enduring ideals of our democratic republic;
WHEREAS, the foundational principles of our nation's independence, "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," demand renewed understanding and engagement;
WHEREAS, the Founders envisioned the "pursuit of happiness" not as mere pleasure, but as the pursuit of self-betterment, intellectual development, and moral integrity;
WHEREAS, there is a growing concern over the inadequate preparation of K-12 and college students for informed and meaningful participation in American civic life;
WHEREAS, low voter turnout and declining civic participation signal a weakening of democratic engagement at both the local and national levels;
WHEREAS, in an era of widespread misinformation and disinformation, the ability to critically analyze information and distinguish fact from falsehood is essential to a functioning democracy;
WHEREAS, a flourishing democracy requires not only an informed citizenry but one that is capable of engaging civilly, thinking critically, and participating responsibly;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that all locals of the American Federation of School Administrators collaborate on the local and state level to advocate for and support the development and implementation of comprehensive, high-quality Civics Education curricula for K–12 schools; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that such curricula shall emphasize the historical foundations of democracy, the responsibilities of citizenship, the structure and function of government, media literacy, and the ethical dimensions of civic engagement.