Overview
Posted in James Madison Legacy Project Expansion We the People: National Symposium on Civic Education
Dear Colleagues,
On March 6–7, 2026, the Center for Civic Education and the Civic Education Research Lab hosted the We the People: National Symposium on Civic Education Research at Georgetown University. The event convened over 160 educators, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to examine what we have learned about civic education and consider the field’s future. The symposium was grounded in the work of the James Madison Legacy Project Expansion (JMLPE), which updated the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution curriculum and strengthened teacher professional learning to better serve all students, especially students with disabilities and English learners. The JMLPE evaluation found that the curriculum significantly improved student outcomes, including gains in civic knowledge, increased civic engagement, and stronger political efficacy. Building on this foundation, the symposium put research in conversation with practice by examining what high-quality civic education looks like in classrooms and how to expand access to meaningful civic learning.
One of the most valuable aspects of the symposium was learning directly from teachers. They described how the curriculum can be adapted to reach all students without sacrificing academic rigor. Teachers shared lessons, strategies, and classroom examples that brought the research to life and showed what meaningful civic learning looks like in practice. We also learned from practitioners and colleagues in higher education working across different parts of the civic education ecosystem. Their perspectives underscored the importance of stronger connections between research, policy, and practice, as well as the need for continued innovation in curriculum, professional learning, assessment, and technologies such as AI.
A highlight of the symposium was a demonstration of a We the People simulated congressional hearing by students from Reservoir High School in Howard County, Maryland. They shared their experiences with the program and emphasized the importance of civic education in their lives.
At the same time, the symposium made clear that significant challenges remain. Civic education continues to compete for time and attention in schools, especially when tested subjects take priority. Access means more than placing students in a civics classroom. It means creating learning experiences where every student can contribute, work with others, and see themselves as part of civic life. Meeting this goal requires careful attention to curriculum design, teacher support, and assessment. Yet the symposium also showed that these challenges are not insurmountable. Across sessions, participants identified promising practices and policies that can help expand high-quality civic education for all students.
The We the People National Symposium demonstrated why the JMLPE was successful. We saw the work in action and heard directly from the teachers who brought the program to life. It also made clear that for civic education to grow and receive the attention it deserves in schools, it must be built through collaboration across the full civic education community.
Sincerely,
Diana Owen
Civic Education Research Lab
Donna Phillips
Center for Civic Education