Civic education

This summer, Delaware's commitment to civic education took a significant leap forward through two impactful professional development programs: the long-standing Democracy Project Summer Institute and the newly founded Civics that Empowers All Students (CEAS) program.

Spearheaded by the Delaware Center for Civics Education (DCCE) at the University's Institute for Public Administration (IPA), these initiatives engaged over 50 Delaware civics and social studies educators in dynamic workshops aimed at enhancing civic instruction across the state.

Educators gained hands-on experience, innovative lesson plans and direct engagement with state leaders, laying the groundwork for stronger civic partnerships among students.

Led by Fran O'Malley, project director of DCCE; Ed Freel, IPA senior fellow; and Scott Abbott, assistant director of DCCE, the Democracy Project is an annual week-long professional development opportunity for Delaware teachers.

Over the past two years, the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE) and the Social Studies Coalition of Delaware (SSCD) have engaged in a statewide initiative to enhance social studies teaching and learning in Delaware. DDOE and SSCD turned to DCCE to develop model lessons for civics. The Delaware Department of State sponsors the Democracy Project's Summer Institute, enabling DCCE to comprehensively analyze Delaware's civics and history standards.

Teachers from across the state gathered at the Democracy Project's Summer Institute in June to learn more about Delaware's election process and develop innovative and interactive teaching strategies to inspire students to participate in civic life. DCCE facilitators led the educators, who received guided practice and new model lessons, some of which highlighted the election process.