Students with Disabilities Study

We the People students made significantly larger gains in civic knowledge than control group students. Middle school We the People students’ knowledge increased by 71% compared to 32% for the control group. High school students also had greater knowledge gains than their peers in standard civics classes.

We the People students developed a greater understanding of core civic concepts. 80% of middle school students and 74% of high school students agreed that they understood more about American government because of their class. Students reported that they understood more about American history, the relationship between history and current events, and their rights and responsibilities as citizens after their class.

One of the most encouraging findings was the growth in students’ sense of political efficacy. After participating in We the People, students were more likely to agree that they have a say in what the government does. Efficacy increased from 20% to 32% among middle school students and from 26% to 37% among high school students.

The research demonstrated that SWDs can engage deeply with constitutional principles, public issues, civil discourse, media literacy, and community participation when teachers implement the curriculum after receiving the professional learning and support needed to make rigorous civic learning accessible.