[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 117 (Friday, September 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1703]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  NEBRASKA'S LEADERSHIP IN DESIGNING A PLAN TO IMPROVE CIVIC EDUCATION

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TOM OSBORNE

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 23, 2004

  Mr. OSBORNE. Mr. Speaker, we should be very proud of our 
constitutional heritage, and feel comforted by the fact that we live in 
the world's oldest constitutional democracy. We celebrate Constitution 
Week knowing that the principles of a free democracy are emulated by 
nations throughout the world. It is extremely important that our young 
people understand and appreciate the time-honored principles that the 
U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and other documents 
embody. For this reason, effective instruction in civics and government 
in our schools is necessary.
  Last year, the first Congressional Conference on Civic Education was 
held. One of the positive outcomes of this conference was the 
establishment of state delegations to return to the state to enact 
specific policies designed to restore the civic mission of our schools. 
I would like to recognize Nebraska's delegation for their leadership in 
working to design a plan to improve civic education in our state.
  Nebraska's plan will result in the formation of the Civics Nebraska 
Partnership, a coalition of educators, public officials, agencies, and 
organizations committed to improving the level of civic learning in our 
state. Initially, Civics Nebraska will measure civic aptitude and 
attitudes of Nebraskans and provide a clearinghouse of resources for 
classroom teachers. It is hoped that the partnership will help bridge 
the gap that sometimes exists between the education and government 
sectors when it comes to civics education.
  I look forward to the success of Civics Nebraska and want to 
recognize the efforts of those who are working hard to improve civics 
and government education.

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