Citizenship for the 21st Century

            This post is a summary of a report with the incomplete title above published at  http://www.p21.org/storage/documents/Reimagining_Citizenship_for_21st_Century_webversion.pdf

           At every turn, 21st century readiness applies equally to citizenship. Like the demands of school and work, the demands of civic life are constantly escalating. We all now live and work in a global society. The civic challenge of our day are significant and complex. At the same time, the ways in which we engage in the world are changing and expanding. We lead active lives online, where we can immerse ourselves in vast amounts of information from sources around the world. Anyone can learn, debate, educate, advocate and organize on the go around causes that inspire them. Citizenship today means more than understanding the roles of government and voting in elections. It means making sense of local, national, and global events, trends and information, and acting safely, responsibly and ethically online. Citizenship requires a wide range of knowledge, 21st century skills and experiences for effective and productive participation in the democratic process. These new realities of citizenship are not broadly reflected in the expectations set for students. Revitalizing citizenship education is long overdue. Just as preparing all students for the 21st century workplace is critical to our economic competitiveness, equipping all young people to be savvy, productive citizens in a complex, interdependent, digital world is crucial to the vibrancy and sustainability of democracy. An increasingly international, interdependent and diverse world rewards people with global competencies and understanding, such as the ability to make local-to-global connections, recognize divergent perspectives, think critically about global challenges, and collaborate respectfully online. Globalization, accelerated by advances in technology has altered our civic, economic and social lives. Local events in any corner of the world can ripple in a flash into international repercussions. Global citizenship is an element of citizenship readiness that requires a global skills set, including social and cross-cultural skills, proficiency in English, and an understanding of economic and political forces that affect societies. The trends that are changing and expanding the nature of citizenship present both significant challenges and opportunities for citizens who are prepared to participate. We believe that 21st century citizenship encompasses three distinct dimensions and three research-based practices: 1) Civic literacy encompasses knowledge of government and the role of citizens, as well as the motivation, disposition and skills for civic participation. 2) Global citizenship encompasses global competencies required to contribute in a varied society and make sense of significant, global issues. 3) Digital citizenship encompasses the knowledge and skills to use technology appropriately to navigate the digital world, manage the risks and take advantage of the participatory opportunities it offers. A "holistic and positive approach". The Internet has opened up a vast world of information for students, yet their digital literacy skills have yet to catch up. Citizenship readiness is as vital to our nation's future as college and career readiness and must be purposefully cultivated. As former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra O'connor, founder of  'iCivics,' has eloquently observed, "The better educated our citizens are, the better equipped they will be to preserve the system of government we have. And we have to start with the education of our nation's young people. Knowledge about government is not handed down through the gene pool. Every generation has to learn it, and we have work to do". A definition of 21st century citizenship is: informed, engaged and active. Literate in civics. Proficient in core academics subjects and interdisciplinary knowledge, such as environmental literacy, financial, economic, and entrepreneurial literacy, and health literacy. Empowered with global competencies and 21st century skills. Capable of participating safely, intelligently, productively and responsibily in the digital world. Recommendations for policymakers and educators: 1) Policymakers and Leaders - Amend all programs and references to college to include 21st century citizenship and integrate citizenship into the school mission statement. Develop a multi-agency task force to explore and provide students and teacherss greater means to interact with peers domestically and around the globe in civic issues. Explore ways to utilize citizenship for cross disciplinary themes and project learning and to expand learning beyond school's walls. Work together across content ares ( global awareness, civics, digital literacy) to promote a broadened vision of citizenship. Encourage and support teachers' professional development in citizenship, including facilitating exchanges, partnerships and internships with people around the country and world. Educate and empower parents so they can enable their children to be digital and media literate, and competent in their civic and global engagement. Make the expanded definition of citizenship, a professional development goal for educators. 2) Parents - Inquire about what local program are available to provide students opportunities for service learning and civic participation. Encourage your school to make 21st century citizenship part of its core mission. Encourage students to be civic savvy by helping them be safe and responsible online, and aware of the civic and global issues around them. Find out what your school is doing and how they can support your efforts. Seek out beyond school activities in your community that encourage effectively citizenship and service learning opportunities for students.