Students develop a depth of understanding and appreciation of important ideas when they are involved in authentic activities that call for applying content to real-life situations. Students learn to think critically and make decisions based on a developing concern for the common good when provided opportunities to address the ethical dimensions of topics and controversial issues. Students develop a commitment to social responsibility and action when experiences encourage recognition of opposing points of view, respect for well-supported positions, and sensitivity to cultural similarities and differences. Students learn to function as citizens in a democratic society when they interact with others to solve problems and accomplish tasks. Students learn the importance of how an individual's disposition, traits of character, and personal actions affect the healthy functioning of communities when they observe and interact with people involved in civic life.
Citizenship implies membership and shared values and concerns for the good of the total community.
Without community, citizenship loses meaning. Building a sense of community is necessary in citizenship development. While the formal curriculum is aimed at preparing them for participation in a larger adult world sometime in the future, children are already practicing citizens of the school, home, and community. They have numerous first-hand opportunities to learn about rights and responsibilities. They have obligations and standards of conduct to consider, and numerous decisions to make about actions in their lives.