civitas international programs

The Center for Civic Education’s Civitas International Programs bring exemplary civic education curricula to students worldwide in partnership with organizations in the United States and in eighty countries. This unique network of educators, civil society organizations, educational institutions, and governmental agencies has worked for more than a decade to develop quality curricular materials and train teachers throughout Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union, Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Many countries in the Civitas network collaborate in unique partnerships using model civic education programs from the United States and other countries to develop programs that address their specific civic education needs. The objectives of Civitas International Programs include the following:


EXCHANGE OF IDEAS
Foster collaboration between educators, government officials, and private-sector leaders from the United States. and around the world through networks.

Provide opportunities for sharing experiences and best practices through workshops, conferences, newsletters, online discussions, exchange visits, and events such as

> The World Congress on Civic Education
> International Project Citizen showcases
> Regional and Thematic programs

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Introduce educators to exemplary curricular materials and teacher-training programs developed in the United States and other participating nations that utilize interactive, student-centered methodologies.


CAPACITY BUILDING
Facilitate the creation, adaptation, and implementation of sustainable civic education programs in participating countries.

Foster the institutionalization of comprehensive civic education programs by developing standards, curricular frameworks, courses, curricular materials, teacher education programs, leadership training, assessment programs, and teacher credentialing requirements.


RESEARCH & EVALUATION
Promote independent research and evaluation projects to determine the effects of civic education programs on teacher instruction and student knowledge, skills, and dispositions.