Designating The Week Of March 11 Through March 15, 2024, As Civic Learning Week In Delaware.
The resolution highlights concerning trends identified in national assessments showing a decline in civic knowledge among students, particularly eighth-graders, where only 22% were at the proficient level in recent assessments. Moreover, it notes that low-income students and students of color face greater hurdles in accessing quality civic education, potentially impacting their civic engagement in the future. By officially designating this week, the General Assembly underscores the importance of equipping students with the skills necessary to engage in democracy effectively.
SCR122 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution introduced in the Delaware General Assembly that designates the week of March 11 through March 15, 2024, as Civic Learning Week in the state. The resolution aims to promote civic education and encourage Delawareans, especially students, to be more active, responsible, and knowledgeable members of their communities. It emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive civic education in fostering democratic values and skills in young people, thereby enhancing their participation in civic duties.
The sentiment around SCR122 appears positive, with broad support from various sponsors, including prominent senators and representatives. There is a collective recognition of the importance of civic education in a functioning democracy, and the resolution is positioned as a call to action for schools and civic organizations to raise awareness about civic responsibilities. The initiative is reflective of a growing consensus on the need to reverse trends of civic disengagement among youth.
While SCR122 does not appear to have major points of contention, the resolution underscores a national concern regarding civic proficiency and access to education. As it promotes the importance of civic education, it implicitly addresses educational inequalities that exist within Delaware's education system. Furthermore, this promotion of civic learning can stir discussions on the adequacy of current educational frameworks in preparing students for active citizenship and the role of educational institutions in promoting civic responsibility.