August 2024 Back to School Special
Welcome Back! As the new school year begins, we hope you had a restful and rejuvenating summer. We’re excited to share the highlights from our Summer Civic Learning Academy and give you a glimpse of what’s to come in the 2024/2025 school year.
Issue 15
I. CREATE News and Updates
- Summer Civic Learning Academy Recap
- Governor Holcomb Signs SB211: Excellence in Civic Engagement
- Teacher Spotlight: Faith Surf
- Enhancing Civic Education Through Camp Adventure
II. Opportunities for Teachers and Students
- Introducing the Civic Badge Program
- Looking Ahead: 2024/2025 School Year
- Featured Destination: Indiana Statehouse
- MCS Teachers Invited to Participate in Civic Education Research
III. Upcoming Events
- 2024 Civic Learning Symposium
IV. Featured Resource
- ACCLaIM: Advancing Civics Curriculum Learning through Instructional Microcredentials
CREATE News and Updates
2024 Annual Civic Learning Symposium: Register Now!
This year’s Annual Civic Learning Symposium promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring two inspiring speakers who will challenge and motivate us to explore new ways of enhancing civic participation and fostering democratic practices in our communities. With a focus on Education, Dialogue, & Deliberation in Our Democracy, this year’s symposium will tackle the pressing need for open, constructive 
conversations in our schools and broader society.
Muncie Teachers: Don’t miss out on this free professional development opportunity! By registering, you’ll receive a $260 stipend and earn 8 Professional Growth Points.
See the schedule here
Event Details:
With only four weeks left, now is the time to secure your spot. Visit the Event Website for more information and to register today. Let’s come together to strengthen the foundations of our democracy through education, dialogue, and deliberation.
Register Now for this transformative event!
Summer Civic Learning Academy Recap
The 2024 Summer Civic Learning Academy (SCLA), hosted by the Center for Economic and Civic Learning at Ball State, brought together 13 dedicated teachers from six Muncie Community Schools (MCS). These educators, with teaching experience ranging from 3 to over 10 years, embarked on a transformative journey to enhance civic education.
Evaluation data from the event shows that teachers’ knowledge on specific civics topics significantly improved post-assessment. Statistically significant increases were noted in areas such as US Government, Indiana History, US Constitution, Local History, US Bill of Rights, Media Literacy, and American History. There was a significant increase in the frequency with which teachers planned to implement civics-related activities. Teachers 
reported higher frequencies of teacher-led discussions, guest speakers, field trips, hands-on activities, and cultivating future citizenship post-program.
SCLA also led to significant increases in teachers’ confidence in teaching civics content. Areas of notable improvement included connecting civics to literacy instruction, discussing sensitive topics, disseminating civics content, and improving civics achievement for low-income and underrepresented students.
There were significant improvements in teachers’ perceptions of their civic content knowledge, disposition, agency, and access to curriculum and 
evidence-based strategies.
Teachers defined civics education broadly, encompassing government, geography, sociology, environmental and human interactions, civil rights, and community involvement.
Data from the SCLA shows hands-on experiences, field trips, community partnerships, educational videos, interactive games, and guest speakers to be effective in promoting civic dispositions among students.
Teachers requested more support in embedding civic education into their curriculum, information on student councils, local civic engagement 
opportunities, and access to resources for further training and community connections.
These insights highlight the positive impact of the Summer Civic Learning Academy in enhancing teachers’ knowledge, confidence, and frequency of civics education implementation, while also identifying areas for further support and resource provision.
CREATE is dedicated to giving history and civics-related material to teachers, with the Summer Civic Learning Academy being one of the biggest events of the year.
Read a Detailed Overview of Week-1 HERE
Read a Detailed Overview of Week-2 HERE
Governor Holcomb Signs SB211: Excellence in Civic Engagement
In a significant step toward strengthening civic education in Indiana, Governor Eric Holcomb has signed Senate Bill 211 (SB211) into law. This new legislation, titled “Excellence in Civic Engagement Designation,” represents a commitment to fostering civic knowledge and participation among students across the state.
Overview of SB211: SB211, authored by Senators Jeff Raatz, Stacey Donato, and John Crane, and sponsored by Representatives Robert Behning and Michelle Davis, mandates the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to collaborate with the Commission for Higher Education to establish an “Excellence in Civic Engagement Designation.” This designation will serve as a recognition for schools that 
demonstrate a high standard of civic education and engagement.
Under this bill, the IDOE is required to develop recommendations for achieving this designation, subject to approval by the State Board of Education. These recommendations will guide schools in fostering an environment that encourages civic learning and participation, preparing students to become active, informed citizens.
Impact on Schools: The Excellence in Civic Engagement designation is designed to incentivize schools to prioritize civic education. Schools that meet the established criteria will be recognized for their efforts in promoting civic understanding and involvement among students, thereby setting a standard for others to follow.
As schools across the state begin to implement the guidelines set forth by SB211, we can expect to see a more engaged and informed student body, ready to participate in and contribute to the democratic process. The CREATE project commends this initiative and looks forward to supporting schools in their efforts to achieve excellence in civic engagement. Together, we can build a future where every student is equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to be an active and informed citizen.
Teacher Spotlight: Faith Serf
This month, we shine the spotlight on Faith Serf, a dedicated educator at Longfellow Elementary, whose passion for teaching and civic education has deeply inspired her students and colleagues alike.
Faith recalls how the teaching profession found her during a reflective moment in her college dorm room. “I remember sitting at my desk, watching the world pass by, when the idea of teaching fell across my heart,” she shares. “It was then that I realized I truly enjoyed helping others to dream big. I loved helping people learn how to navigate the world so that their biggest dreams could become their reality.” 
Faith’s journey into education is rooted in a profound commitment to uplifting others, a value instilled in her from a young age. “I was brought up to lift others as I climb, and what better way to assist others to climb than by becoming an educator? Being an educator means that I breathe life into others, and they, in turn, breathe life into me.”
Her experience with the Summer Civic Learning Academy (SCLA) coursework reaffirmed her belief in the importance of educating the whole child—socially, emotionally, and academically. “The SCLA coursework was an amazing experience for me,” Faith reflects. “It reminded me of the importance of providing civic learning to our young scholars. Through this coursework, I am extremely motivated to help our students grow their understanding of what it takes to be a great citizen.”
Faith is particularly passionate about introducing civic education early in a child’s academic journey. “The idea of encouraging civic education as early as Kindergarten and empowering them to embrace their community, their school, and all of the rules and systems that come with it will help them to embrace the larger topics in government later in life. Our country, more now than ever, is in desperate need of growing civic thinkers.”
For her fellow educators, Faith offers this sage advice: “Don’t be afraid to get started. You can start small by intentionally adding civic learning into your lessons. A simple map of the community could help your students find value in the areas that surround their neighborhood. You can organize a field trip to learn the history of your community and how it has grown and changed over time. You can have courageous conversations about real-life issues that your students can connect to if they are given the opportunity.”
Faith’s approach has already yielded remarkable results. She shares an inspiring example: “We had a Kindergarten classroom discuss clean water issues in third-world countries, and they raised money to send clean water systems to them. Your students will amaze you with the connections they will make. We just have to provide them with the opportunity to think deep and wide.”
Faith Serf’s dedication to nurturing civic-minded students is a testament to her belief in the power of education to shape not just individuals, but entire communities. We are proud to have her as part of the CREATE project and look forward to seeing the continued impact of her work.
Enhancing Civic Education Through Camp Adventure
This summer, our collaboration with Camp Adventure has been a success, thanks to the dedicated efforts of our intern, Jenna. Her involvement 
has been instrumental in advancing our civic education goals through engaging, hands-on initiatives that resonate with both students and adults alike.
Jenna’s leadership at Camp Adventure has truly set the stage for impactful learning experiences. She spearheaded ropes courses and teamwork activities designed to teach students the critical importance of cooperation. These activities served as a microcosm of societal structures, helping students to see how group dynamics mirror the governance of communities. By guiding students through these challenges, Jenna demonstrated how individual and collective roles contribute to the effective functioning of society. Her leadership in these activities significantly enhanced students’ civic skills, including communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution.
In addition to these activities, Jenna created tailored social-emotional learning sessions that further developed participants’ ability to manage 
emotions, engage in meaningful dialogue, and build confidence—skills essential for democratic participation. Her focus on reflection and discussion encouraged students to appreciate their shared community and cultivate respect and empathy for others, fostering essential civic dispositions.
Jenna’s work has not only aligned seamlessly with our mission to enhance civic education but has also played a pivotal role in building the civic agency of all who attended Camp Adventure. Her emphasis on nurturing a sense of responsibility, curiosity, and empathy has been crucial in preparing students to become active and engaged citizens. Looking ahead, we are excited to expand this collaboration and bring even more teachers and students to Camp Adventure. The CREATE grant offers opportunities to support this initiative further, ensuring that more individuals can benefit from these transformative experiences. By continuing to build partnerships with educators and leveraging resources like CREATE, we can extend the reach and impact of Camp Adventure’s civic programs.
II.Opportunities for Teachers and Students
Introducing the Civic Badge Program
Badge Name: Civic Learning Award – Excellence in Civic Education
Description: This badge is awarded to dedicated educators who have demonstrated excellence in teaching civic education, inspiring the next generation of responsible and engaged citizens. It represents the commitment of educators to impart civic knowledge, uphold democratic values, and empower students to be responsible citizens. The design combines elements of knowledge, enlightenment, and achievement, which are central to the field of civic education.
Award Criteria:
Submission Process:
Deadlines for Submission: December 15th and August 15th.
Method of Submission: Educators should submit documentation of professional development, and brief reflection by email to djroof@bsu.edu or to CECL@bsu.edu
Selection Process: A panel will review submissions. Award recipients will be chosen based on the thoroughness of their application, the impact of their civic education initiatives, and their demonstrated commitment to fostering civic engagement among students.
Recognition: Award recipients will be recognized at the annual Civic Learning Symposium. They will receive the Civic Learning Award – Excellence in Civic Education, which they can display proudly in their professional setting or on digital platforms.
We will present the Logo and Badge Design in the coming weeks.
Looking Ahead: 2024/2025 School Year
We have an exciting lineup of events and opportunities for the upcoming school year:
Civic Trips and Activities: We encourage you to plan civic trips to historical sites and local government institutions. 
CREATE can provide funding to support these trips to provide students with real-world experiences that complement classroom learning.
Monthly Paid Professional Development: Teachers will have access to monthly professional development sessions focused on civics education. These sessions will provide valuable insights, strategies, and resources to enhance classroom instruction.
Community Engagement Opportunities: We’ll be working closely with local organizations to create civic engagement opportunities for students, including participation in community service projects.
Resource Expansion: Our ongoing commitment is to expand the resources available to teachers, ensuring they have the support they need to successfully integrate civics education into their curricula.
MCS Teachers Invited to Participate in Civic Education Research
As part of our ongoing efforts to advance civic education, we are excited to share an opportunity for Muncie teachers to participate in a national research study led by Georgetown University’s Civic Education Research Lab (CERL). This study, titled Civics Empowers All Students, aims to explore and enhance civic education teaching practices across the United States.
The Indiana Bar Foundation, would like to recruit 2-3 teachers from the Muncie Community Schools for the 2024-2025 academic year. This study offers a unique opportunity for local educators to contribute to critical research while engaging their students in meaningful civic education.
Teacher Participation and Incentives:
Participating Teachers Responsibilities: Teach a social studies or civics class in grades 4-8 as prescribed by the curriculum. Complete an online pre- and post-test at the beginning and end of the school year, which will take approximately one hour in total. Ensure that at least one class of students completes the same online pre- and post-tests. In recognition of their contributions, each teacher will receive a $250 stipend. The stipend will be distributed as follows: $50 upon completion of the pre-tests and $200 upon completion of the post-tests.
Why Participate? Participation in this study not only supports the broader field of civic education but also provides a platform for Muncie educators to be part of a national conversation on how to better equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for informed and active citizenship. The study’s findings will contribute to shaping future civic education programs and policies, with the potential to influence classroom practices nationwide.
Next Steps, Teachers who are interested in participating or would like more information should contact Tim Kalgreen at the Indiana Bar Foundation (tkalgreen@inbarfoundation.org) or reach out directly to Dr. David J. Roof, who is coordinating this effort within our network. The commitment from teachers is needed as soon as possible, with the school year fast approaching.
Featured Destination: Indiana Statehouse
The Indiana Statehouse, located in the heart of downtown 
Indianapolis, has been the epicenter of the state’s government since 1888. This stunning architectural masterpiece is not only the seat of Indiana’s government but also a vibrant symbol of the state’s rich history and democratic heritage.
School Tour
Duration: 60 or 90 minutes
Overview: Designed specifically for educational groups, this comprehensive tour covers Indiana’s history, the Statehouse’s architecture, and the workings of state government. Tour groups visit an executive office, chamber, or courtroom for each branch of government, subject to availability. Legislators from the visiting group’s district may be invited to speak, schedule permitting.
The Indiana Statehouse is conveniently located at 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Tour Hours:Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
To inquire about the schedule or to book a tour, please call (317) 233-5293 or email touroffice@idoa.in.gov.
Plan Your Visit: Whether you’re a lifelong Hoosier or a visitor, we encourage you to explore the Indiana Statehouse. Witness where history is made and experience the civic spirit that defines Indiana. Schedule your visit today and step into the heart of our state’s government.
III.Upcoming Events
The 2024 Annual Civics Symposium 2024
This year, Annual Civic Learning Symposium welcomes two keynote speakers who will inspire attendees to explore innovative ways of enhancing civic participation and foster democratic practices in their communities.
Muncie Teachers: Register For Free and Receive a Stipend ($260) and 8 Professional Growth Points
EDUCATION, DIALOGUE, & DELIBERATION IN OUR DEMOCRACY
The central theme for the 2024 Annual Civic Learning Symposium revolves around the crucial role that dialogue and deliberation play in both our educational system and our democracy. In an era marked by polarization and division, fostering open, constructive dialogue and thoughtful deliberation is more important than ever. This theme emphasizes the need to build bridges across diverse perspectives, promote understanding, and cultivate a culture of civic agency.
- Date & Time: September 27th: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM & September 28th: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Location: Ball State L.A. Pittenger Student Center
- Dress Code: Casual attire is encouraged for all participants to ensure a comfortable learning experience.
- Accommodations: For those requiring overnight stays, we recommend booking rooms at the Ball State Hotel
- Meals Provided: Dinner on Friday, September 27th & Lunch on Saturday, September 28th
Please see the Event Website for more information and updates.
Featured Speakers:
September 27th, Freeman A. Hrabowski, III: President Emeritus of UMBC was named in 2012 by President Obama to chair the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African Americans and was named the inaugural Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Lecture Speaker by Harvard. In April 2023, The National Academy of Sciences awarded him the Public Welfare Medal, the Academy’s most prestigious award.
September 28th, Harry Boyte: With a history of service that spansfrom working directly with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to advising national initiatives on civic renewal, Boyte’s contributions to the field of civic engagement are both profound and far-reaching.
We are proud and honored to announce co-sponsorship of the 2024 Annual Civic Learning Symposium by the Indiana Bar Foundation, the Center on Representative Government at Indiana University, and the Remnant Trust. Their generous support underscores the significance of civic learning and engagement in today’s society and contributes greatly to the enrichment of our symposium.
IV.Featured Resources
Project ACCLaIM – Advancing Civics Education with Microcredentials
As educators and policymakers grapple with declining student scores in civics and history, the importance of effective civics instruction is more critical than ever. Recent reports from the National Assessment of Educational Progress and the Rand Corp. highlight a troubling trend: 
the sidelining of civic development as a central priority in schools. Coupled with the rising tide of misinformation, there is an urgent need for educators trained in integrating media literacy into their teaching of civics and history.
The Challenge In 2022, the National Assessment of Educational Progress reported a decline in average student scores in civics for the first time, a trend echoed in related subjects such as history. The 2023 Rand Corp. study further emphasized that many school districts have gradually de-emphasized students’ civic development over the past few decades. These findings have sparked renewed attention on the need for robust social studies and civics education. In today’s world, where misinformation proliferates easily, equipping teachers with the skills to teach media literacy alongside civics and history is paramount.
The Approach Enter Project ACCLaIM: Advancing Civics Curriculum Learning through Instructional Microcredentials. This innovative program focuses on professional development for K–12 teachers, providing them with a comprehensive microcredential program in American history, civics, and media literacy. A microcredential, as defined by the National Education Association, is a “short, competency-based recognition that allows an educator to demonstrate mastery in a particular area.”
Project Outcomes
Specialization Development: The project will develop a civics, history, and media literacy specialization comprising nine one-credit, online professional learning courses.
Competency Assessments: Microcredential competency assessments will be created for each course, ensuring educators demonstrate mastery.
Professional Development: Teachers will have access to professional development opportunities designed to enhance their instructional skills.
Mentorship Program: An online mentorship program called the Professional Learning Network will be established, allowing teachers to connect with ASU faculty for ongoing support, resource sharing, and collaboration even after completing the specialization.
Project ACCLaIM is currently offering FREE microcredentials in civics, history, and media literacy.
Learn More and Sign Up Here
CREATE Information
CREATE can support MCS teachers. If you have questions or to recommend additional Professional Development events, please email CREATE@bsu.edu.
To stay informed of the latest resources and opportunities, sign up for CREATE’s email list.
Visit the CREATE Website.
CREATE is grateful for the support of the U.S. Department of Education.
