A Study On Citizenship Education In American Schools

Citizenship education is highly topical in many countries at the beginning of the new century, with urgent consideration of that how better to prepare young people for the challenges and uncertainties of life in a rapidly changing world. That is why I select "citizenship education in American schools" as my research field. Both the research methods of literature gathering and comparing have been adopted in the thesis. Basing on the reviewing the historical development of citizenship education in American schools, the thesis surveys the present policy and practice status about citizenship education in American schools from the points of view such as aims, contents, ways and characteristics. The writer points out that the citizenship education in the United States roots deeply in the thoughts of constitutional government, and its aim and end-result are to cultivate "competent and responsible participants of the society and politics for democratic state of constitutional government ", and freedom, democracy and responsibility are its fundamental and center values. Citizenship education put its emphasis on national consciousness and service and dedication to the country; Effective education for citizenship in schools includes the nature and practices of participation in democracy, the duties, responsibilities and right of individuals as citizens; and the value to individuals and society of community activity. Though it has made great success, it still remains great room to improve.Anyway, great advice drew from the practice of citizenship education in American schools can be provided for the practice of school citizenship education in China.