CivicLens Curriculum

Policy Literacy for
Every Learner

A comprehensive curriculum teaching students to understand, analyze, and engage with education policy at every level of government.

6
Core Modules
32
Units
4
Education Levels
Free
Open Access

High School Curriculum

Advanced policy analysis and civic engagement

For: Ages 14-18

5 Units

Understanding Education Policy

Foundations of Policy Literacy

Learn the fundamentals of how education policy is created, implemented, and evaluated at federal, state, and local levels.

What is Policy?Levels of GovernmentPolicy CycleStakeholders+1 more
3-4 weeksExplore
6 Units

Federal Education Policy

National Laws & Regulations

Explore landmark federal education legislation including ESSA, IDEA, Title IX, and how federal policy shapes state and local education.

U.S. Department of EducationESSAIDEA & Special EducationTitle IX+2 more
4-5 weeksExplore
5 Units

State Education Systems

How States Govern Schools

Understand how state boards, departments of education, and legislatures shape education policy in your state.

State Boards of EducationState DepartmentsGraduation RequirementsSchool Funding+1 more
3-4 weeksExplore
4 Units

Local School Governance

Districts, Boards & Communities

Examine how local school boards, superintendents, and community stakeholders make decisions that affect students daily.

School BoardsSuperintendentsCommunity VoiceBudget & Resources
2-3 weeksExplore
8 Units

Current Policy Issues

Debates Shaping Education Today

Analyze contemporary education policy debates including school choice, curriculum standards, equity, and student safety.

School ChoiceCurriculum StandardsEquity & AccessStudent Safety+4 more
6-8 weeksExplore
4 Units

Civic Participation

From Analysis to Action

Learn how to effectively engage with policymakers, advocate for change, and participate in the democratic process.

Finding RepresentativesEffective CommunicationPublic TestimonyCoalition Building
2-3 weeksExplore

The Five-Step Policy Analysis Framework

A universal approach to understanding any education policy document

1

Identify

What is this policy?

2

Analyze

Who does it affect?

3

Examine

What does it do?

4

Evaluate

What are the impacts?

5

Engage

What can I do?

Resources for Educators

Implementation guides, assessment packets, and professional development resources

Implementation Guide

Step-by-step instructions for integrating CivicLens

Assessment Packets

Rubrics, quizzes, and project templates

Standards Alignment

Crosswalks to state social studies and civics standards

Professional Development

Workshop materials and self-paced training