Civics in the Adult Education Classroom
Civics can be broadly defined as the “lifelong process that makes people into active, responsible, and knowledgeable members of their communities.” This spotlight describes and provides examples of how civics content can be integrated and contextualized into adult education instruction in four discrete ways.
Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) activities must include instruction on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and civic participation. Therefore, English language acquisition (ELA) classes in general, and IELCE activities in particular, often include components that help English learners and immigrants gain the skills and knowledge needed to engage with and integrate into their communities. This spotlight describes and provides examples of how civics content and activities can be integrated and contextualized into instruction in four discrete ways:
1. Teaching specific civics education topic
2. Supporting civic integration
3. Offering opportunities for civic engagement
4. Focusing on a civic understanding for the workplace.
Although this spotlight describes four distinct approaches to delivering civic literacy activities, these activities can be blended and scaffolded to develop a cohesive approach to supporting the full participation of ELs in U.S. society.
Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE) activities must include instruction on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and civic participation. Therefore, English language acquisition (ELA) classes in general, and IELCE activities in particular, often include components that help English learners and immigrants gain the skills and knowledge needed to engage with and integrate into their communities. This spotlight describes and provides examples of how civics content and activities can be integrated and contextualized into instruction in four discrete ways:
1. Teaching specific civics education topic
2. Supporting civic integration
3. Offering opportunities for civic engagement
4. Focusing on a civic understanding for the workplace.
Although this spotlight describes four distinct approaches to delivering civic literacy activities, these activities can be blended and scaffolded to develop a cohesive approach to supporting the full participation of ELs in U.S. society.
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